Calgary Real Estate BlogRecently posted or modified blog postshttps://www.joelanderson.ca/blog/Copyright JoelAnderson.ca2023-11-23T11:29:45-07:00tag:joelanderson.ca,2012-09-20:21050A Festive Tradition: Cutting Your Own Christmas Tree in CalgaryThe holiday season is upon us, and what better way to kick off the festivities than by cutting down your own Christmas tree? In and around Calgary, this cherished tradition is not only a fun family activity but also an opportunity to create lasting memories. If you're considering venturing into the great outdoors to find the perfect evergreen for your home, here's a quick guide on where to go and how to obtain the necessary permits.
Choosing the Perfect Location: Calgary and its surrounding areas boast stunning landscapes that are ideal for Christmas tree hunting. One popular spot is the Maclean Creek region, which offers a picturesque backdrop of snowy mountains and dense forests.
Getting Your Permit: Before you head out, it's essential to obtain a permit to cut down your Christmas tree legally. In Alberta, the Alberta Agriculture and Forestry website https://www.alberta.ca/tree-cutting-permits provides detailed information on Christmas tree cutting permits. These permits are typically affordable and contribute to sustainable forestry practices.
To obtain your permit, visit https://www.alberta.ca/tree-cutting-permits and follow the instructions provided. The process is usually straightforward and can often be completed online. Be sure to read the guidelines and regulations associated with the permit to ensure a safe and responsible tree-cutting experience.
Preparing for the Adventure: Once you have your permit in hand, gather the necessary tools and supplies for a successful outing. Dress warmly, wear sturdy footwear, and pack essentials such as a saw, rope or bungee cords for securing the tree to your vehicle, and some hot beverages to keep warm.
Respecting Nature and Regulations: As you embark on your Christmas tree-cutting adventure, it's crucial to respect nature and adhere to the regulations set forth by the forestry authorities. Follow designated trails, choose a tree that is within the specified size limits, and leave no trace of your visit behind. Responsible tree cutting ensures that this tradition can continue for generations to come.
Bringing the Tree Home: Once you've found the perfect tree and secured it to your vehicle, return home with a sense of accomplishment and the scent of fresh evergreen in the air. Decorating your home with a tree you personally selected adds an extra layer of warmth and joy to your holiday celebrations.
In conclusion, cutting down your own Christmas tree in the Calgary area is a delightful way to kick off the holiday season. Obtain your permit, explore the beautiful landscapes surrounding Calgary, and create lasting memories with your loved ones as you bring home the perfect Christmas tree. Happy tree hunting!2023-11-23T11:12:40-07:002023-11-23T11:29:45-07:00Joel Andersontag:joelanderson.ca,2012-09-20:20956Decoding Alberta's Mortgage Interest Rates: A Guide for Homebuyers in 2023Introduction:
Thinking about buying a home in Alberta? Understanding the current mortgage interest rates is a key step in making informed decisions. Let's break it down simply for you.
The Current Scene:
Right now, mortgage interest rates in Alberta are influenced by what's happening in Canada's housing market. The Bank of Canada sets the tone by deciding on the overnight lending rate, affecting how much interest you'll pay on your mortgage. This rate depends on things like inflation, economic growth, and global conditions.
Bank of Canada's Say:
The Bank of Canada's overnight lending rate is like a domino, impacting the rates banks offer for different loans, including mortgages. While the Bank of Canada is careful about changing rates, global economic factors and inflation can influence their decisions.
Economic Factors Matter:
Alberta's economy, closely tied to the energy sector, can have ups and downs. Oil prices, employment rates, and the overall economic health of the province affect housing demand and, in turn, mortgage rates. Keeping an eye on these indicators helps you understand the housing market's stability.
Your Money Matters:
Your personal financial situation matters too. Lenders look at your credit score, debt-to-income ratio, and job stability to gauge how risky it is to lend you money. A good credit score and smart financial habits can help you get better mortgage rates.
Shop Around:
Alberta's mortgage market is competitive. Different lenders offer various rates and terms. Take the time to shop around and compare offers. This helps you find the best deal that suits your wallet.
Conclusion:
Understanding mortgage rates in Alberta is about considering big factors like the Bank of Canada's decisions, the province's economic health, and your own financial situation. To make the best choice, talk to financial advisors, mortgage brokers, or lenders who can provide personalized advice. Stay informed, and you'll be better equipped to achieve your dream of owning a home in Alberta.2023-11-14T11:28:26-07:002023-11-14T11:33:13-07:00Joel Andersontag:joelanderson.ca,2012-09-20:20916Embrace Autumn's Splendor: 10 Must-Do Activities in Calgary, AlbertaCalgary, Alberta, is a city that truly comes alive in the fall. As the leaves change from vibrant greens to fiery reds and oranges, Calgary offers a plethora of activities and experiences that allow you to make the most of this beautiful season. From outdoor adventures to cultural delights, here are ten must-do activities in Calgary during the fall.
1. Enjoy the Fall Foliage
One of the simplest yet most enjoyable ways to embrace fall in Calgary is to take a leisurely walk or bike ride through the city's numerous parks and green spaces. The Bow River pathway, Fish Creek Provincial Park, and Nose Hill Park offer stunning views of the changing leaves against a backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. Don't forget to bring your camera for those Instagram-worthy shots!
2. Explore Heritage Park
Heritage Park Historical Village transforms into a charming autumn wonderland in the fall. The historical buildings, antique tractors, and horse-drawn carriages look even more picturesque with the fall foliage. Explore the park, take a ride on the steam train, and immerse yourself in the past.
3. Visit Calgary's Farmers' Markets
Fall is a fantastic time for foodies in Calgary. Visit the city's vibrant farmers' markets, like the Calgary Farmers' Market and Crossroads Market, to sample fresh local produce, baked goods, and artisanal products. Stock up on seasonal favorites like pumpkins, apples, and pies to savor at home.
4. Attend a Calgary Flames Game
Hockey season starts in the fall, and catching a Calgary Flames game at the Scotiabank Saddledome is a thrilling experience. The energy in the arena is infectious, and you'll feel like a true Calgarian as you cheer on the home team.
5.Get Lost in a Corn Maze
Head to a local farm like Cobb's Adventure Park or Calgary Corn Maze for a fun and challenging adventure in a corn maze. It's a perfect family-friendly activity and a great way to celebrate the season.
6. Explore the Rockies
Calgary's proximity to the Rocky Mountains means you can easily escape to the mountains for a day or a weekend trip. In the fall, the mountain landscapes are breathtaking, and you can enjoy activities like hiking, mountain biking, and taking scenic drives along the mountain highways.
7. Indulge in Pumpkin Spice Everything
Autumn wouldn't be complete without indulging in some pumpkin spice treats. Calgary's cafes and bakeries offer a wide range of seasonal delights, from pumpkin spice lattes to pumpkin pies. Enjoy a cozy afternoon with a warm cup of coffee and a pumpkin treat.
8. Take a Scenic Drive
Explore the stunning fall scenery by taking a scenic drive through the foothills or along the Cowboy Trail. The changing leaves and open roads make for a memorable road trip, so pack some snacks and hit the highway.
9. Attend Fall Festivals
Calgary hosts several fall festivals and events, such as Beakerhead, the Calgary International Film Festival, and the Calgary International Flamenco Festival. These cultural celebrations offer an excellent opportunity to explore art, film, and dance in a unique and vibrant way.
10. Capture the Calgary Skyline
As the sun sets earlier in the fall, the city's skyline comes to life with a warm, golden glow. Head to one of Calgary's iconic viewpoints like Scotsman's Hill or Crescent Road to capture breathtaking views of the city against the backdrop of the fall sunset.
Calgary, Alberta, is a city that knows how to celebrate the magic of autumn. From embracing the vibrant fall foliage to indulging in seasonal treats and exploring the great outdoors, there's no shortage of activities to enjoy during this beautiful season in Calgary. So, pack your cozy sweaters and get ready to make the most of fall in this charming Canadian city.2023-11-09T12:33:52-07:002023-11-09T12:40:43-07:00Joel Andersontag:joelanderson.ca,2012-09-20:20479Home Projects to do in the Fall! As the weather grows colder, it’s that time of year to fix-up and replace things in your home to prepare for winter! Use the fall season to finish up these home improvement projects so you’re all set for this winter!
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/LgZZDRdckllD2AV_muAg9NgCFf2RCMwspCigWPHTP8LwChGuA_3Z6PvFdBkdFXBZ7lSPnHoo8WsvdmHFOwl1ySDlouAZh-G-STPOd7fIrqfO8__6bRwEdU0mtU27j7g4YILoTWNWgMI9Ngs2zEMzGs4" width="249" height="374" />
Replace Your Furnace Filter - a dirty furnace filter can make your furnace work harder to heat your home, which will drive up your utility bill! It can also compromise your air quality so be sure to switch your filter out!
Inspect the Weatherstripping - this is the perfect time to inspect the weatherstripping around your doors and windows, especially your garage door! If the seals are compromised, cold air can seep in and drive up your heat bill!
Clean Your Gutters - make sure you clean out your gutters before the snow starts to fall to avoid overflow and damage to your roof!
Replace Missing Shingles - if your roof has missing or damaged shingles, make sure to replace these to prevent them becoming troublesome leaks in the future!
Winterize Irrigation Systems - make sure to have your irrigation system blown out to remove any water and prevent freezing that may ruin your sprinklers! It’s also the perfect time to put away your garden hose and shut off your exterior water faucets. 2023-09-22T11:12:18-07:002023-09-22T11:14:42-07:00Joel Andersontag:joelanderson.ca,2012-09-20:20195Fall Recipes to Bring in the New SeasonOne of the best parts about the seasons changing is bringing new recipes into your weekly rotation! Here are some of our favorites:
Turkey Pot Pie - this is one of the ultimate comfort foods, and is a great use of leftover turkey (or chicken) from a roast! Click <a href="https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/215447/dads-leftover-turkey-pot-pie/">here</a> for our favorite take on this classic staple!
<img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/JlLJ_ahDv9S_jhvqrBoTIw-gN1DLirov-6RJv5wM-fJxhWgwJ5zs4atlJhVNk-W_1ZalAWHIXhC46-j-XfcJhGYREL2gYSBB6IjD5td9rZ3Nwm6UtsFpY6Cm-ojT2wW4uaMM1EJy-HSAghCJ33cu7r8" width="194" height="251" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />
Pumpkin Soup - with the fall season, it’s all about everything pumpkin. Enjoy this creamy pumpkin soup as the weather gets colder! Click <a href="https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/9191/pumpkin-soup/">here</a> for the recipe!
<img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/Bh5aneOJeTvxkfJFk08jzXjGm27qCmyn7PEunyqPoqMFvpHGZd-P2GSjpyGljzqTf7bxOhbLLeb7xG-ZhiU4TogVavCL_AC91I6GRY_lbtIX2dN5G_CVinVhPCdePSQoWzLCUvJYxvMzTlEqkeJInp8" width="189" height="283" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />
Pumpkin Bread - it wouldn’t be fall without pumpkin flavored baked goods, and our favorite is this moist and delicious pumpkin bread! Click <a href="https://www.onceuponachef.com/recipes/spiced-pumpkin-bread.html">here</a> for the recipe!
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/BVy2DpYAU4E_kUslQMiJdxn_DHDnbuEuZoOIbVZ5jMQxc8F4d5VdIaTjwpNzOfUZ_pRbG4a_fgGMRlaSeX1BOPu-55B36UgrBo6HInvfow2GmNwrpm03SH7cZoWDAzhoWqwU9rOXTe3JHa-1gExkfwI" width="175" height="264" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />
Chili - this time of year is the best for hearty comfort meals, and chili is perfect for those cold evenings. Click <a href="https://www.thewholesomedish.com/the-best-classic-chili/">here</a> for our favorite recipe!
<img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/s2ud_tz2PxshelQ3CXL7TK6NWErnkJwjxTcSmhI808gV2IayxDQR3OwRZ0MCfIag_T7NwK1mXhbFX4eZjWlkygVN6pt66ip6Pi1oF1epElXp4zIebkSPnhzNuZfdDsGUv_e8f2C25gGGJHP5zj7SnM8" width="188" height="250" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />
Mexican Tortilla Soup - this soup is full of flavor and a personal favorite for this time of year! Click <a href="https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/13351/chicken-tortilla-soup-i/">here</a> for the recipe!
<img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/Ou9jAjQb9BeVKN-8McOFhtZJpkmHzADCOPwGS4hZnZMw2UZJpNHIpb7KdH6AZvf9bX-3u9gjeoz-a7-7jNHUf3hrqexoKlsgOJalgfEvVb2_btKXZt2txsTgkakBLaGRGCiMWI5IaOqcjvIaAaXvkr4" width="288" height="191" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />2023-08-18T10:03:16-07:002023-08-18T10:13:02-07:00Joel Andersontag:joelanderson.ca,2012-09-20:201795 Events to Check Out this September in CalgaryDon’t let the summer fun end with the back to school season. There are still plenty of events happening throughout Calgary, perfect for going out with friends or the whole family! We’ve listed some below for you!
<img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/OtghZyk3qG33VjQrJ8zz3vkA6WzEixX_st5qbmHd8IGfbbhSxz8MBhopvonlt8Pmp3wL3ljjGoUHJAbh4E0JnrvDNFOiVv_ROf6FvcSy9M7kwdbWppcsTZlxbwAsulT9gQzwbuUlRy6vULudCmp88K0" width="364" height="547" />
Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ - Sept 6 to 10
One of the world's most prestigious show jumping tournaments. Top riders and horses from around the globe compete at the <a href="https://www.sprucemeadows.com/masters/">Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’</a> in Calgary. All seating is general admission and can be purchased in advance.
Alberta Culture Days - Sept 1 to 30
It’s 30 days of discovery, experiences, and celebration with <a href="https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-culture-days.aspx">Alberta Culture Days</a>, an opportunity to connect with new cultures in a variety of local events and activities. Experience Alberta Culture Days with virtual, in-person, indoor, and outdoor activities.
Railway Days - Sept 9 to 10
Heritage Park’s extraordinary rail collection takes centre stage during <a href="https://heritagepark.ca/events/railway-days/">Railway Days</a>, including hands-on activities, exhibits, and a rare glimpse of the turntable in action and the double-headed steam engine.
Block Party 2023 at Deerfoot City - Open until Sept 10
Deerfoot City brings vibrant local art and free events back for the summer with <a href="https://deerfootcity.com/events-promotions/block-party/">Block Party</a>, including a retro twist with the introduction of the Roller Rink on The Boulevard. Bring your old-school roller skates or rent a pair of rollerblades!
Summer on 17th - Until Sept 23
Visit 17th Ave. this season for <a href="https://17thave.ca/summer/">Summer on 17th</a>. There will be live music, fitness classes, DJ and drag shows, outdoor movies, and more in Tomkins Park throughout the summer. Best part is that all of the events are free.
For more events and information, you can always visit TourismCalgary or visitcalgary.com to see what other events might be happening! 2023-08-15T14:39:27-07:002023-08-15T14:43:10-07:00Joel Andersontag:joelanderson.ca,2012-09-20:190445 Things to do in Calgary This Summer!The weather is hot and the sun is out, it’s the perfect time to enjoy activities with the family! Keep reading to see 5 fun activities you can do this summer!
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/rnuOKCwB8GJCoU5RuY2jIRaa0SsnZ2wurmgjVFgw8bDOG42asSnSL_mrGdtJGhCuB1wgPdJJPJaGxJJR8JffOqJrrNQQAlHv2U00X8AWzjmn8kGdjOQ-TIlQ-L7zG3zBIzk1SrmjbcOfLLjX5g0umY0" width="624" height="351" />
Calgary Zoo has a limited-time exhibition of animal topiaries called WildScapes! This one-of-a-kind summer garden experience is only here until September 17th and features 10 larger-than-life animal topiaries, from a 21 ft tall giraffe to a 24 ft long snake!
Cirque Du Soleil’s KOOZA is available from August 25th to October 8th at Under the Big Top, Stampede Park! The show is all ages and features a combination of two circus traditions: acrobatic performance and the art of clowning!
Calgary Night Markets at Heritage Park is open every Saturday night until September 2nd! Explore vendors, entertainment and local food while you shop!
Shakespeare on the Go - A Midsummer Night’s Dream will be at various locations throughout Calgary from July 14th to August 6th! With no admission fee, you can enjoy a 75 minute version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream with the family!
Pet-A-Palooza at Eau Claire Market is a free family event with entertainment including a huge dog pool party, corgi races, the puppy stampede, pet-related exhibitors, food trucks and more! Check it out on July 29th and 30th!
2023-07-05T13:35:40-07:002023-07-05T15:53:19-07:00Joel Andersontag:joelanderson.ca,2012-09-20:190272023 Stampede Lineup!Stampede is almost here!! Starting July 7th and until July 16th, you can enjoy live music, park rides, fun rodeo events and more! Keep reading to find out more about some of the big events happening this year at Stampede.
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/SFxrfxlHxmwuGowHcuww1TTgMWEBa3azg0Hc57nqhsk_7m00h-8bHBeyTZ7koc3OdnT_H-IV504YDgUrAK0fpiZg7uk4P9oIQ09gGMTfJj4heoK1LuPQYH4-wHXkDJixT2Qo5sntsiwVkrfj69kLi1E" width="624" height="416" />
Nashville North Headliners
July 6 - Jess Moskaluke
July 7 - Mackenzie Porter
July 8 - Jojo Mason
July 9 - Billy Currington
July 10 - Dallas Smith
July 11 - Elle King
July 12 - High Valley
July 13 - Jade Eagleson
July 14 - Eli Young Band
July 15 - James Barker Band
July 16 - Tenille Arts
Coca-Cola Stage Headliners
July 6 - Russ
July 7 - Vance Joy
July 8 - Cordae
July 9 - Jessie Reyez
July 10 - Charley Crockett / Margo Price
July 11 - Tegan and Sara
July 12 - Broken Social Scene / Manchester Orchestra / Jimmy Eat World
July 13 - Stephen Sanchez
July 14 - Mt. Joy
July 15 - Zeds Dead
July 16 - Mother Mother
You can also check out the Rodeo daily at 1:30pm for the duration of Stampede, as well as the stunning Evening Show nightly at 7:45pm.
2023 New Midway Food!
This year, there are some interesting menu items to try out!
Chicky Chicken’s Kool-Aid Chicken Burger
Cin City Donuts’ Deep Fried Dad’s Cookies
<img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/t6NndM8vWuThuduvlbcG8Rekx7B0kQVrAbsxAHrVavWZvV6hehCCIe6VU8bnWc97C1CfB5ZtVgqGAYDYjeu0Ds_X5JB3RypV3rQ5Xsw5lw6uzQ64tHPaQoYS-t8K8D7fvjn7UCCMsHC-gxTOlKBJpb0" width="624" height="355" />
So Cute Ice Cream’s Ketchup and Mustard Ice Cream
Lil Pocket Dogs’ Neon Dog
<img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_k6m7ubsJ6hFmIpBpUo042YfGrxaDAiJfEZawN4ez_JbXu5Ad4Zolm9E3Px6O70FWheXQCuNGaklPazhNF1LZ0H-vqXk7wd0Fh58gcPyWsqIjhdfgKyOwK0wAmqe17gAyRN_7pZBQNKCL9jybT_boVA" width="519" height="288" />
Veggie Junk Food’s Mexican Corn Ribs
Drink From a Fruit Street Corn Lemonade
Big Coco’s Peanut Butter Pickle Dog
For more details, check out the Stampede here: <a href="https://www.calgarystampede.com/">https://www.calgarystampede.com/</a>2023-07-03T12:43:28-07:002023-07-05T12:53:47-07:00Joel Andersontag:joelanderson.ca,2012-09-20:178285 Ways to Save Money in Your HomeThe cost of living keeps increasing, and we’re here to help you find new ways to lower your bills and save money in your home!
Switch Your Lightbulbs to LEDs - LEDs use less electricity over incandescent bulbs and will last 15 to 20 times longer on average!
<img />Close Your Closet Doors - even though your closet has limited square footage, you are still heating or cooling it. By keeping the doors closed, you’re reducing the work your furnace has to do! <img />
Caulk or Weatherstrip - sealing air leaks on your windows can save you 10% to 20% on your energy bills!
Change Your Furnace Filter - a clogged filter can make your furnace motor work harder and use more power, costing you more money!
Wash Your Clothes in Cold Water - switching from hot or warm water to cold will cut the energy your washer uses in half!2023-04-01T12:19:00-07:002023-04-19T12:24:24-07:00Joel Andersontag:joelanderson.ca,2012-09-20:16853Our Favourite Soups for Cold WeatherBRRR! With the cold winter weather in full swing this week, we’re looking to our favorite soups to keep us warm! We thought you might like to try them to stave off that winter chill, so we’ve listed them below!
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/KqQHcrq1rf9K3yjTit6_-4yWnNtWNOL81BaFIYM--j0BEDiFKN4dZOG3YxiW5zyU9DQ3GO4P4qsAKZNuD9shcPx6sW6KiVgWvHIpHyDJ0QPagWYSbJCO2rbojWOfT_Q_2Y-M8fjwI6cyaaeCXOfkXvnmSIGioa9VjCMVpshbsd1uYaPBbPWZtJLijM3A" width="624" height="936" />
Loaded Potato Soup
Ingredients
6 slices bacon, chopped<br />2 lb. russet potatoes, peeled and cubed<br />3 celery stalks, sliced<br />1 large leek, cleaned and chopped<br />3 garlic cloves, finely chopped<br />4 c. chicken stock<br />1 tsp. kosher salt<br />6 sprigs of fresh thyme<br />1/2 tsp. ground black pepper<br />3/4 c. sour cream, plus more for garnish<br />Shredded cheddar cheese, chopped chives, sour cream, and reserved bacon, for serving
Directions<br />
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon strips and cook until golden brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove to a paper towel lined plate. Reserve 2 pieces for garnish. Crumble the remaining 4 pieces.
Place the crumbled bacon, potatoes, celery, leek, garlic, stock, salt, thyme sprigs, and pepper in the base of a 6- to 8-quart slow cooker. Put the lid on the slow cooker, and cook on high for 4 hours (or low for 6 to 8 hours) until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Remove the thyme sprigs and discard.
Use an immersion blender to blend the soup to a semi-smooth consistency, leaving small chunks of potato and vegetables for texture. Stir in the sour cream. (Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water, to thin the soup out to your desired consistency). Serve in bowls, garnished with cheese, chives, additional sour cream, and the reserved bacon slices crumbled over top.
Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients<br />2 tbsp. olive oil<br />1 large yellow onion<br />3 large carrots, peeled and chopped (about 1 1/2 cup)<br />2 celery stalks, chopped<br />4 garlic cloves, chopped<br />1/4 c. all-purpose flour <br />6 cups chicken broth<br />1 1/2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces<br />2 tsp. chopped thyme<br />1/2 tsp. kosher salt, plus more to taste<br />1/2 tsp. black pepper, plus more to taste<br />1 lb. dried gnocchi<br />1 c. 5-oz. container baby spinach, roughly chopped<br />1 c. half and half
Directions
In a Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 10 to 12 minutes, adding the garlic during the last minute.
Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until evenly combined and vegetables are well coated, about 1 minute. Gradually stir in the chicken broth. Add the chicken, thyme, salt, and pepper, and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the chicken is cooked through, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the gnocchi and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, under tender and fluffy, 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in the spinach and half and half. Cook, stirring occasionally, until well combined and spinach is tender, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Italian Wedding Soup
Ingredients
FOR THE MEATBALLS:<br />1/2 lb. lean ground beef<br />1/2 lb. mild Italian sausage<br />1/2 c. grated parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish<br />1/4 c. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, plus more for garnish<br />1 large egg<br />1 garlic clove, finely chopped<br />1/2 c. panko breadcrumbs<br />1/2 tsp. kosher salt <br />1/2 tsp. ground black pepper<br />Nonstick cooking spray
FOR THE SOUP:<br />1 tbsp. olive oil<br />1 c. chopped carrots <br />1 c. chopped yellow onion<br />1 c. chopped celery<br />3 garlic cloves, finely chopped<br />1 tsp. kosher salt<br />1 tsp. ground black pepper, plus more for serving<br />6 c. chicken broth<br />14 oz. can beef broth<br />1 c. pearl couscous or small pasta<br />5 oz. baby spinach<br />2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
Directions
For the meatballs: Preheat the oven to 450º with the oven rack in the upper third of oven. Line a rimmed baking sheet with heavy duty aluminum foil.
Mix together the beef, sausage, parmesan, parsley, egg, garlic, panko, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl until well combined. Form the mixture into about 40 (1/2-inch wide) meatballs. Lightly spray the baking sheet with nonstick spray and arrange the meatballs in a single layer.
Bake the meatballs for 6 to 8 minutes or until they are firm to the touch. Increase the heat to broil. Broil the meatballs for 2 to 4 minutes or until browned. Set aside.
For the soup: Heat the oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the carrots, onion, and celery, and cook for 4 minutes or until the vegetables start to soften. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
Gradually stir in the salt, pepper, chicken broth, and beef broth. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, and add the couscous. Cover and cook 8 minutes or until the couscous is just tender.
Add the spinach and cook for 1 minute, until just wilted. Stir in the meatballs and cook 2 minutes or until the meatballs are warmed throughout. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the lemon juice.
Serve the soup in bowls, and garnish with additional parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and black pepper.
2023-01-30T09:00:00-07:002023-01-30T11:07:24-07:00Joel Andersontag:joelanderson.ca,2012-09-20:167805 New Restaurants in CalgaryBorough Bar & Grill
Check out this new restaurant with walk-in patisserie specializing in sandwiches and coffee! Located in the University District, Borough is both indoor and outdoor! Be sure to try the fried artichokes and roasted mushroom dip!
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/TMEfu7zf-kXtCXi33DlA7ZPgilgStlm0aZcVtIioINA27C3FFA-njYiWDbGWjP3D4qo0PCjdrIcmN4XxOuXAZPyWt-1fizKc0mou4MDyUcz5DvU6SSUIsA6NqgZDiMZKEYY0Hwfou2nTmnFKRDyR7EFlrX_2Q1QgS3ox0AdHdIQCfdIu7UC0UTBgL8RB_A" width="460" height="307" />
Brix and Barrel
This new cocktail bar in downtown Calgary features delicious dishes like truffle risotto, and salmon carpaccio! Check out their cocktail menu for fun drinks and even mocktails, cleverly named not a mojito and not a whiskey sour.
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Wn5shGthjpi4LHF9iV6d9KatLBsPYre8JWV38Tf88BOmvR4-jVcoLqszNtpMdovSSdTWM8AJMdknRM2Y4gZ1TaCngMQLjDHYzTG71NsdypDJn_GlwjDS2KDe8em6s6J7mIpsdReBNSSkKbiQxllpZGvrZBwIJSp5kD_ZvQ6ByTGhC8h74CulAIJnBmlpwg" width="423" height="281" />
Burnin Bird
If you like Nashville hot chicken, you’ll love this new restaurant! Located in the Beltline, Burning Bird offers chicken tenders and sandwiches, with a heat scale ranging from “naked” to “burning” if you like your food extra spicy!
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/3ulOGhvGWrBTfGCBR7A9FEwrFy12tOsSI0PkRN0z9Selt0S5vA3E0006vTAMaAuVuWwnU2Iygmq-QxTk6P8N1D3qIKMB9t71W95PjKnFtMtUS44q2t6LH0JhSVQVn7-PDhesinLBhKmvqJ357SUKZZmYWO_oyxzwwq-wsiH6FteLDY3cZ16ryJqzfhiyZw" width="624" height="335" />
Fine Print
This unique restaurant off Steven Ave focuses on making customers feel like a VIP, and strives to create an atmosphere of sophistication and simplicity. Check out their book theme menu, where the Preface sections your appetizers and the Main Story holds the entrees!
<img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/AdnHZplYft5RwQ-xrOOm8JK5WmTfTz-_rKwakInmom7FXjgrV6EkeeP7Z219ejHqMzG-OOjjU-O1wbmFip8P1ioV4973P8nzbFQAnMRyZQWWNVqPUPG8jSGlHhPekQ-9TOdMe5tpAf0LPHeU3J5-fPy1CXpb5xbRAm8D7eY-w9rws7Q-raAcieHsMsXklw" width="454" height="275" />
Freestyle Social Club
This restaurant offers a unique experience where not only do you book a table, but also a round of golf! Perfect for small company events or going out with friends!
<img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/J6FnLkdKqrXuhXdHeMSiPfjEeF0WtFFLUKGKGIF7-CWLFLCfqWu9KZbi2d06Q9HnL1zFOPFcXBSAgBmFRazUEkwz7MbGfiQqeX-ECrzNhynbO8hJVMblLxP_UtcQg0fchXnPHIz_WZX396vDYGfEieguu2tQJJ_JrEs4LUHldtihc9AYAqddjkS4G9mX3w" width="412" height="275" />2023-01-23T09:03:00-07:002023-01-28T14:08:22-07:00Joel Andersontag:joelanderson.ca,2012-09-20:16523Valentine's Events in CalgaryLove is in the air! Valentine's Day is a few weeks away and if you're looking for something new and fun to do with friends or your partner, we've got you covered! Here are some fun and interactive events happening in Calgary this Valentine's Day!
<img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/gXWY2lcIZHVBMnYqKRwhRXobTkKzOJVFMwMX3V7ZA9FxWW9XH1HEcg6UVyyh4RfwLSov3y1r22qMkc37Xlcrt5llKWUaKfre_tcrOUFeaiH7zzFM_kFR_JzJ93y7demexF4QdXc_RKf1nybk3cuysH4-W0PtsJ_dSCJ2epg7s-akBPQSbsADD6upVYPebw" width="624" height="416" />
Feb 9th & 14th - Candlelight Jazz: Valentine’s Special
Enjoy a Candlelight Concert with a multi-sensory musical experience this Valentine’s Day! The program includes music from Frank Sinatra, Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald and Chet Baker!
For tickets and more information, click <a href="https://feverup.com/m/108604">here</a>.<a href="https://feverup.com/m/108604"><br /></a>
Feb 9th - Paint Nite: Valentine’s Day Wine Glasses
Get your creativity on with a 2 hour guided wine glass painting night. You’ll get to bring home your very own hand painted glasses, and tickets include all supplies so you only need to bring yourself and your partner!
For tickets and more information, click <a href="https://www.paintnite.com/ca/ab/calgary/29639/events/boston-pizza-seton/february-09/wine-glass-painting-valentine-s-day-heart-10303320/">here</a>. <a href="https://www.paintnite.com/ca/ab/calgary/29639/events/boston-pizza-seton/february-09/wine-glass-painting-valentine-s-day-heart-10303320/"><br /></a>
Feb 10th - Valentine Comedy Extravaganza
Enjoy dinner and a show this Valentine’s Day with FunnyFest Comedy! The event features headliners Joe King and Stu Hughes, a dinner buffet, chocolates and great prizes!
For tickets and more information, click <a href="https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/fri-feb-10-2023-valentine-comedy-extravaganza-dinner-and-3-comedians-tickets-441447761137">here</a>. <a href="https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/fri-feb-10-2023-valentine-comedy-extravaganza-dinner-and-3-comedians-tickets-441447761137"><br /></a>
Feb 14th - Date Night at Workshop
Bring your partner for 3 hours of throwing and hand building clay while enjoying amazing refreshments and music! The evening includes wine, clay, instruction, glazing, firing, music, tools, etc. as well as charcuterie from Peasant Cheese!
For tickets and more information, click <a href="https://site.corsizio.com/c/6343182f6ed6a92cfc8f6e39">here</a>. <a href="https://site.corsizio.com/c/6343182f6ed6a92cfc8f6e39"><br /></a>2023-01-09T09:00:00-07:002023-01-08T17:03:29-07:00Joel Andersontag:joelanderson.ca,2012-09-20:16522Volunteer Opportunities in Calgary<a href="https://www.mealsonwheels.com/volunteer"></a>
With the new year we look to all the things we are grateful for, and all the things we want to accomplish. It’s important to also look at the things we can do for others, and how we can give back to our communities! We’ve outlined some organizations in Calgary we believe are doing amazing work that you can get involved with in 2023!
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/kh3E0TRXpSDRaElKCpheLDeJ9GBJJEXOKLmzjUfVCcBtSBcB2Zkqivkygw1XI4Lzlce9g2fOv3pTpG1rj17tJuJX-qay4cC0KNH3CyEungXycxqv8PqVpXZHdhPtpBDCSxg6u-kV6IqbtDJY42QmYsdYnlwm4oz7c2o3dckPZu9pPr8CoawEctFkAJa6ag" width="624" height="416" />
<a href="https://www.mealsonwheels.com/volunteer"> </a>
The Calgary Food Bank
Food insecurity is something no one should have to feel. The Calgary Food Bank works to realize their vision of hunger-free communities and is the first line of emergency support for families and individuals facing crisis.
Volunteer Here: <a href="https://www.calgaryfoodbank.com/volunteer/">https://www.calgaryfoodbank.com/volunteer/</a>
<a href="https://www.mealsonwheels.com/volunteer"> </a>
Calgary Drop-In Centre
The Drop-In Centre welcome adults at risk of or experiencing homelessness. Working collaboratively, they provide access to a spectrum of care that supports each person’s transition to the most independent living possible—including emergency shelter, programs and services, and affordable and supported housing.
Volunteer Here: <a href="https://calgarydropin.ca/volunteer/">https://calgarydropin.ca/volunteer/</a>
<a href="https://www.mealsonwheels.com/volunteer"> </a>
Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids
BB4CK believes no child should ever go hungry. They believe kids who have consistent access to nutritious food grow stronger brains and stronger bodies. They’re able to make friends, attend school consistently and to focus on learning instead of on a grumbling stomach. Their mission is to Connect and inspire people to take meaningful action to feed and care for kids
Volunteer Here: <a href="https://bb4ck.org/as-a-volunteer/">https://bb4ck.org/as-a-volunteer/</a>
<a href="https://www.mealsonwheels.com/volunteer"> </a>
Calgary Women’s Shelter
The Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter is focused on ending family violence and abuse in the lives of women, children, youth and men. Taking a Stand Against Family Violence in the community since 1974, the agency has helped over 260,000 Calgarians build safe lives and healthy relationships.
Volunteer Here: <a href="https://www.calgarywomensshelter.com/give/volunteer-opportunities">https://www.calgarywomensshelter.com/give/volunteer-opportunities</a>
<a href="https://www.mealsonwheels.com/volunteer"> </a>
Calgary Meals on Wheels
<a href="https://www.mealsonwheels.com/volunteer"></a>
Calgary Meals on Wheels promotes health and independence by providing quality, nutritious and affordable meals. They believe everyone deserves to be well fed regardless of age, ability, or life-circumstances. By delivering meals to Calgarians, they work to end food insecurity in Calgary.
Volunteer Here: <a href="https://www.mealsonwheels.com/volunteer">https://www.mealsonwheels.com/volunteer</a>
<a href="https://www.mealsonwheels.com/volunteer"> </a>2023-01-03T09:00:00-07:002023-01-03T09:43:53-07:00Joel Andersontag:joelanderson.ca,2012-09-20:16173Christmas Decor Trends 2022Sleigh bells are ringing and stockings are being hung over the fireplace. This festive season is about togetherness, human connection, warmth, traditions and of course, presents! With Christmas around the corner, we’re here to give you some inspiration no matter how you like to decorate! Whether you enjoy natural, minimalist decor, or the traditional red and green, or even a pastel pink Christmas, there’s something for everyone!
Vintage/Eclectic Pieces
Vintage refined pieces reminiscent of the roaring twenties are making their way back in style this season. Think tall flute glasses, antique tableware and mirrored coasters!
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/eoy1uNBK9mg_Li55H1H80MM7O4-I8gxbn8Dnj-_aoMU2PWAfyIja4Mu8OHN5uaZOjQe47iDVJSN1sVsFwDqJqTZIy9UcWnZ5Bbr-noztpGOT-GQDGn57to3h81tdVdw0O3vdKjAfUtKiV7Nlkz9UQmZfvQHNPyAVhCOwLbcnb3i9bGCtTMHdkxFqjwxIRw" width="269" height="402" />
Gonks!
Christmas gonks are little figurines with bushy beards and tall knitted hats, and are largely considered to be the Nordic version of Santa! These quirky gnome-like figures are perfect for fireplace mantles, hanging on the tree or along the steps!
<img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/Jd164FdmYu4zLdaKSXjPoGw_Cpp1DpQzb5KxIB96pIVu74wwJz3SI8suYpNVTdTDcogE_bVXP2YHsAI8aqPUcRl_WiAjjXH3Cpv32tyvkZDb75iSZuAx9EAaahq-meIBc40W55Nnvb5fMko8psCJbq5Uh9X2U7wikJdkoEVICNpUbgwmdOti8EHxoycyFg" width="446" height="297" />
Neutrals and Natural
This is the biggest trend for 2022, staying within nude colors for wrapping paper, ornaments and alternating between two or three earth tones. This theme works best with either silver or gold accents to bring out the harmony in those muted colors!
<img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/biaUPF-KSVvaIRbOLnyDDfsJhMVDcCsNoYsnEkwAWfbOO9NpAae5kVBHbszEaCjPN-b0upHQOr34jUYqmx91aAUbvLN3Z4ovoVhjYNSLyDv2HGfaR6agA9UWXKlkiv8l8EQmi0A8cmVyUgaolr_nJu-lBYSvpX_7kmgjyy7mBcVNdo6iY0Xk2wtPN8luWg" width="315" height="418" />
And of course you can never go wrong with decorate long stick candles, garlands and wreaths on either side of your front door! Plus twinkling Christmas lights always brings everything together, no matter your color scheme! 2022-11-25T08:00:00-07:002023-01-02T15:12:40-07:00Joel Andersontag:joelanderson.ca,2012-09-20:16120Must Visit Tobogganing SpotsWith the arrival of so much snow, it’s finally that time of year to get the sled out and go tobogganing! And to make sure you’re having the best time, we’re sharing all of our favourite tobogganing spots!
St. Andrew’s Heights - there is one long and steep hill perfect for those of you who are more adventurous and a smaller slope near the community centre for the little sledders too!
Confederation Park - this location has more diverse terrain, and is also the best tobogganing spot for those candid family pictures!
Signal Hill - this spot has a less steep hill with a large stretch of flat ground at the bottom, so you can feel more comfortable letting big kids go on their own!
Stanley Park - this park offers a steep decline in the centre of the hill, and for more family fun there’s a large playground for those averse to tumbling down big hills.
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/PXJ7cV3ONyE-Hcl4JfKPmA_4Iz0svqvg6etLZsglSpTDmZ2JYkgRcgNKo4iHwWFU4SGRIkrJCYwSz_DB8PzRPXTZ4tgdgfvgtsbMc74szM2A6jmXZIHLGQP9swr809jXnXimqJ7ByEKIxd0KhZuuo4a-ds3Zk2Kyqcqv7G3saFVnaFe-83j87SlyWPN0tQ" width="624" height="415" />
Don’t forget, safety first!
Wear a helmet.
Don't start down the hill until the path in front of you is clear of people and obstacles.
When walking back up the hill, avoid areas where others are sledding.
Avoid dangling clothing like scarves.
Don't sled at night.
Don't go down the hill head first. Sit up or kneel instead.
Get out of the way quickly when your sled stops.
2022-11-20T09:00:00-07:002022-11-20T09:42:02-07:00Joel Andersontag:joelanderson.ca,2012-09-20:160805 Safety Tips: Prep Your Yard for Halloween!Here are five safety tips to ensure a smooth and safe Halloween experience this year! Keep these tips in mind for the little trick-or-treaters coming through your yard to help your decor stay upright and avoid any falls!
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/lBQGInMbYEIn6ptKFTyjUvpT2r1Pl3bnppSgTy6Q2rjRhMdCaWr85uoEZ9Bs1lwiDyG3kpR1Dk1s6VlntS2XqcXA5EARkXk1ih_bHf9xlty1VPq4mHXto5PdCrQ4khmAsS2yS7RueJe71fqLZbR2PwSmA0DL6XewD3OEf41By-PnkhDpMQue7XQbHQ" width="624" height="416" />
1. Beware of Tripping Hazards as lots of kids will be wearing masks as part of their costumes, their visibility will be limited.
2. Keep Your Pets Contained in a secure area so they can't rush out when you open your door for trick-or-treaters.
3. Lots of Light, such as keeping our outdoor lights on, is important to signal that you are handing out candy & help kids and their parents navigate your walkway so there are no accidents! <br />
4. Batter Operated Candles over real candles in your jack-o-lanterns are a safer decision if anything is knocked over in the rush for halloween treats!
5. Avoid Dry Ice if you're looking to create a spooky, foggy atmosphere. Dry ice can burn if touched and is an unnecessary danger with little kids around. Opt for the safer and reusable fog machine! 2022-10-31T07:00:00-07:002022-10-31T09:03:40-07:00Joel Andersontag:joelanderson.ca,2012-09-20:16024CREB's October Update<a href="https://www.creb.com/-/media/Public/CREBcom/Housing_Statistics/Calgary_Monthly_Short_Summary.pdf">CREB’s monthly report</a> states that city sales were almost 12% lower compared to last year, however the 1,901 sales in September is higher than sales levels achieved in September of last year. We are still seeing adjustments to home pricing as we try to shift toward more balanced conditions. Average prices remain 11% higher than last year, and 6% higher than reported levels at the start of the calendar year. For a more detailed breakdown of their statistics update, click <a href="https://www.creb.com/-/media/Public/CREBcom/Housing_Statistics/Calgary_Monthly_Short_Summary.pdf">here</a>.
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/uNggaDGZetoZUeE8rM9Pi9nFUzd-3HaRA-GjHX_MmEg0E1eVDK08t99sqi7dxAQcheFWWZIsk-vpYK6y52e3hHuc8_rzKChxvF2hTGvr-GHJ9jkKU6PHqa02HHnWQvs-Y8HtzpXs_jqBxBkOV5TUnmr_HZF8-M363Hv6S_11LljW_xtcIU-es3mUXg" width="624" height="564" />2022-10-24T07:00:00-07:002022-10-24T07:26:07-07:00Joel Andersontag:joelanderson.ca,2012-09-20:159764 Ideas for Pumpkin DecorationsPumpkin season is upon us! Whether it’s pumpkin spice in our lattes, scones and muffins or squash in our dinners. This season, we have 5 ways you can incorporate pumpkins into your fall decor!
Using pumpkins as table decor!
Pumpkins and various other squash can add that fall pop of color to your kitchen, dining table or living room! Using woven baskets and candles to balance the bright orange and yellow tones make for a beautiful centerpiece!
<img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/2inYSecJbSa11wK-ktNEzNQfQa9fG1vAQ4O6ujBWjjn9AmCi53fyDDLphy3tPJXdq4eRSwkVP8XZ4nON7sG64DZnn7aChyImjb6GLj9G_dtvoOhzmsIrfDb1tLZYYSprbI78pkkJ8h9bwt2ybyNZUSzhzE8UCGsKJl5BKSfXB71O9nIDThmKw8CbAg" width="437" height="654" />
Paint on Your Pumpkins!
Especially with October just around the corner, this is a simple way to incorporate pumpkins into your spooky decor! Painting words, cobwebs and faces is a cute alternative to traditional carved pumpkins.
<img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/1CsCXdRpj1Mb1l6snkjaaouJHUwQ7ICSNtHjFLyj1kjzONkMxmM2dFd6BPgq7NKoxOZ8_XEDZMRyRxoxaVzgaSpvDhPQqIFSh3RHdsKSKM1W9s0lYEzdi6UlSJSyJ3J-ewuuBCbB1t-2lPXb-cQAeGSEyfpCD1Hk6SwhUqFaOd-vVL0InhSsmEtqQA" width="462" height="693" />
Decorate Your Doorstep!
Pumpkins are an easy way to decorate the entrance to your home. Especially with the leaves falling, the colors perfectly complement each other!
<br /><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/8EbllDML7rKsDg1atGKEzel5X-g8YqRwERLRW5HvyBTb6vm_3FDdkLrrfdsS8ZA_SB8kRXfZAPkYM6xFIxpqbUxrBgwCqyt4Gos9ALbnL1Lg6v8O29-328wUhZB36FQNEKLYYorpIpDXPGv-TYxFkrCBphBRNOudn7ViekAviqlhwJDthp9GJtnjrw" width="478" height="657" />
Classic Carved Pumpkins!
Last, but certainly not least, get carving! This is a fun and traditional way to decorate inside and outside your home! You can recreate characters, have family competitions and the best part - roasting the pumpkin seeds when you’re done!
<img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/FlyDsTDThZl_eT1F3tZpWT6ps7uAHvvGOikJOzaLBQOGR66lXvTUNxRgc8Z9K7egF-oSMBsb4G-HGt-x0pLip7vJQUK5CExoMs0FYe6gNimggHtSV8DGQ90zkE7opV77jcSQ4qv1BfEuXObKX7kz1tFPbz7qksUa1ya4w-DyTM-V-ZkHqxanFtOOPw" width="624" height="832" />
We hope you love our pumpkin ideas, and when your decorative squash start to ripen, turn them into some delicious baked goods or rich and hearty soups! 2022-10-11T05:57:00-07:002022-10-11T06:00:43-07:00Joel Andersontag:joelanderson.ca,2012-09-20:159115 Delicious Seasonal SoupsFall is all about comfort–comfy clothes, accessories, cozy drinks and best of all, soups! Soups are the ultimate comfort food, and taste ten times better when the fall air carries that bit of chill. This season, keep warm and cozy with some of our favorite seasonal soups!
<img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/7AtaXkqSiwWVSk_H1fxP_U18CPoIlZUpxJLKuyzTdPJX2raGUnEzCvAT_VN4S7ChVkKsXGODx4jpsVsuy0ORAkmoiAKekSSepGp5_v_5jFGq8If9pp6wfrNGiZl3FEcPiprtkZKNXnq-jEJYiwxe9J7iKNRXd7ZXxSusXWG7nbKBf2SNkqdeD0OmcA" width="437" height="655" />
Butternut Squash Soup
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 large yellow onion, chopped
½ teaspoon sea salt
1 (3-pound) butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
4 garlic cloves, chopped
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
½ tablespoon minced fresh rosemary
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
4 cups vegetable broth
Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions:
Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, salt, and several grinds of fresh pepper and sauté until soft, 5 to 8 minutes. Add the squash and cook until it begins to soften, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes.
Add the garlic, sage, rosemary, and ginger. Stir and cook 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant, then add 3 cups of the broth. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook until the squash is tender, 20 to 30 minutes.
Let cool slightly and pour the soup into a blender, working in batches if necessary, and blend until smooth. If your soup is too thick, add up to 1 cup more broth and blend. Season to taste and serve with parsley, pepitas, and crusty bread.
Zucchini and Yellow Squash Soup
Ingredients:
1 Tbsp avocado oil
1 large yellow onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
3 medium zucchini squash, chopped
1 yellow squash, chopped
1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 quart vegetable broth
1 tsp dried rosemary
1 tsp dried parsley
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp sea salt, to taste
Instructions:
Add avocado oil and onion to a large pot and heat over medium. Sauté, stirring occasionally until onion is translucent, about 8 minutes. Add the chopped red bell pepper and continue to sauté until the pepper is fragrant and the onion begins turning brown, another 2 to 5 minutes.
Add the chopped zucchini, yellow squash, rosemary, parsley and paprika. Sauté 2 more minutes.
Add the cannellini beans, diced tomatoes, and broth. Bring soup to a boil then reduce heat to medium low and cook until zucchini is soft but not falling apart, about 10 to 15 minutes.
Taste soup and add salt and ground black pepper to taste. Serve with rustic, delicious bread.
Fall Vegetable and Quinoa Soup
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 yellow onion diced
1 carrots chopped
2 celery stalks thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic minced
1 large sweet potato peeled and chopped
2 cups chopped butternut squash
3 bay leaves
4 cans 14 ½ oz each reduced-sodium vegetable broth
2 cans 15 oz each diced tomatoes
1 can 15 oz chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 cup quinoa
1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary
2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme
2 cups chopped kale ribs and stems removed
Instructions:
Heat olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery and cook until onions are translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, sweet potato, butternut squash, and bay leaves. Cook until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally so they don’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
Add the vegetable broth, tomatoes, and chickpeas. Stir in the quinoa and season with fresh rosemary and thyme. Cook for 15 minutes or until quinoa is soft. Stir in the kale and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste. Serve warm.
Broccoli Cheese Soup
Ingredients:
4 tablespoons butter
1 medium onion , diced
1 tablespoon garlic , minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ -1 teaspoon Creole seasoning
3 Tablespoons flour
12 ounce can evaporated milk(replace with 1 1/2 cup milk )
2 cups chicken stock
1/2 teaspoon mustard powder(optional)
½- ¾ pound broccoli florets , cut into small pieces
1 1/2 – 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (some reserve for garnish)
1 large fresh carrot peeled and grated
salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Melt butter in a pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and saute onions, garlic , Italian and creole seasoning for 2-3 minutes or until onions are wilted.
Whisk in the flour and cook for a few minutes until it browns or enough to remove the flour taste.
Reduce heat to medium-low and slowly pour in evaporated milk and stock while stirring well to dissolve the flour in the liquid. Season with mustard powder and give a quick stir. Allow it to thicken for 5-7 minutes while stirring occasionally.
Add in the broccoli florets and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes or until tender.
Then mix in freshly grated cheddar cheese, stir until fully combined.
Throw in some grated carrots, if desired, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper and let it cook through for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat and serve in bread bowls or with bread rolls
Creamy Potato Soup
Ingredients
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 large white onion, chopped
½ teaspoon sea salt
4 garlic cloves, chopped
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
4 cups vegetable broth, store bought or homemade
1½ pounds Yukon gold potatoes, about 5, chopped
1½ cups cooked white beans, drained and rinsed
½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, salt, and several grinds of pepper. Sauté 6 to 8 minutes, until softened.
Add the garlic, stir, and cook 2 more minutes. Stir in the white wine vinegar and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds, and then add the broth, potatoes, and white beans. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer 30 minutes.
Let cool slightly, then transfer half of the soup to a blender with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, the mustard, lemon juice, and paprika. Blend until smooth and return the pureed soup back to the pot.
Use a potato masher to gently smash the potato chunks and beans. Season to taste with more salt and pepper and serve with desired toppings.
2022-10-03T08:38:00-07:002022-10-03T09:45:42-07:00Joel Andersontag:joelanderson.ca,2012-09-20:157493 Delicious Fall Desserts!As the cooler weather rolls in, it’s time to break out the cinnamon and cloves for some sugar, spice and something nice. The possibilities are endless for pies, scones, and all sorts of baked goods. We love taking advantage of fall produce like pumpkins, pecans, sweet potatoes and pears. Below you’ll find 3 of our favorite crowd-pleasing recipes for the season!
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/My-RorxpteCo9Qdo2rzXp8FeEHCNkO1IbyhWRk-M7vpKKBWmGJqDVH9jC_WpdYRIIAWs-g-asbTvg6HwX4gM0-E-fh_PAxyU1I8PdIZ9cDirn4cnPiF7-k8BLvsZNx6PkO3KvKk4sai8t3D61F5UGb6fhhy9bsI-JAAJL5lyNI3yjBF8qDHNdpPK-A" width="624" height="780" />
Old-Fashioned Pecan Pie
Ingredients
Pastry dough
¾ stick unsalted butter
1 cup packed light brown sugar
¾ cup light corn syrup
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
½ tsp grated orange zest
¼ tsp salt
3 large eggs
2 cups pecan halves
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 F making sure the baking sheet is on the middle rack
Roll out pie dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch circle and fit into a 9-inch pie plate (leave ½ inch overhang). Crimp and lightly prick base with a fork before chilling for 30 minutes
Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat, Add brown sugar, whisking until smooth. Remove from heat and whisk in corn syrup, vanilla, zest, and salt. Lightly beat eggs in a medium bowl, then whisk in corn syrup mixture.
Put pecans in a pie shell and pour corn syrup mixture evenly over them. Bake on the hot baking sheet until the filling is set, 50 minutes to 1 hour. Cool completely.
Serve and enjoy with a side of ice cream!
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/3CgVwLXrIKPrIhza1ebPglqhtwkjQU599Id881HyNpRvK4l8JFH6R9U_kxmC3IMaZoAMKykKDQFQxsBfSktY-Y4t-Zy_VNgY6b1PRJJv6hM4CLyEWejfCmjJx9Tb9hEMrPE0NpOYhtpf5nSIsGdRc0j6GTOU0Gn6Mytlb2PM-H1zerTel6-Vf9G7jQ" width="624" height="832" />
<br />Marbled Pumpkin-Maple Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
Crust
½ cup unsalted butter
20 graham crackers
2 tbsp sugar
½ tsp kosher salt
Cheesecake
3 cups cream cheese (cut into small pieces)
4 large eggs
1 cup sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp kosher salt
1 cup sour cream
½ cup maple syrup
1 can pumpkin puree
1 ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
½ tsp ground ginger
Directions
Place a rack in the center of the oven; preheat to 350°F. Lightly butter a 13x9x2" metal baking pan. Line with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on long sides, then butter parchment. Crush graham crackers into about 2 cups of crumbs. Add sugar and salt and combine. Add ½ cup butter and mix until it’s the consistency of wet sand.
Transfer crumbs to pan and press in firmly. Bake the crust until fragrant and edges are just starting to take on color, 8–10 minutes. Let cool.
Reduce oven temperature to 275°F. Beat cream cheese until smooth, add eggs, sugar, vanilla, and salt and beat until incorporated. Add sour cream and maple syrup and combine until mixture is thick and creamy and no lumps remain. Scoop ½ cup filling into a small bowl and save for marbling later. Add pumpkin purée, pumpkin pie spice, and ginger to remaining batter and beat until no streaks remain. Tap the bowl on the counter several times to force any air bubbles to the filling’s surface. Scrape filling into cooled crust; pop any air bubbles. Dollop reserved filling over pumpkin filling and swirl with a skewer or toothpick to marble.
Bake cheesecake until edges are set but center still wobbles slightly when gently shaken (it will firm as it cools), 40–50 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool unrefrigerated for about 3 hours to prevent cracking.
Chill cheesecake until cold and firm, 3–4 hours. Cut into bars or squares to serve.
<img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/UZSF8jQA1Oi2agJfH4mDMX_KxW4mnOFHXrQ2-opFCyewlVEuKq4XNkJvMHRwudiscBFttO1txuBeCqj6UZ7jDzhY5wFpbAEWjB7zxan_zhSu4tZbhSh851CuNM37g_9oAjQA-EBbjL98gWsuWNNeOX1ZTomANsZzbhhFMxSB2qIstgI3CGm8mutJ3A" width="624" height="416" />
Sweet-Potato Cobbler
Ingredients
Filling
2 ½ lbs sweet potatoes
4 cups water
¾ cup canned pure cane syrup
½ cup light brown sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground allspice
¼ teaspoon salt
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
<br />For Biscuit Dough
3 cups all purpose flour
4 tsp baking powder
¾ tsp salt
¾ stick unsalted butter cut into cubes
1 ¼ cups whole milk
Peel sweet potatoes, then halve lengthwise and slice crosswise 1/4 inch thick. Combine potatoes with remaining filling ingredients in a wide 4- to 5-quart pot and simmer, covered, until potatoes are almost tender, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer potatoes with a slotted spoon to a bowl and boil liquid, uncovered, until reduced to about 2 cups (it will become syrupy), 20 to 25 minutes.
Put the oven rack in the middle position and preheat the oven to 375°F. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Blend in butter with your fingertips or a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse meal. Stir in milk with a fork until a dough forms.
Gather dough into a ball, then turn out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead 7 or 8 times. Divide dough into 2 pieces, then form each into a disk.
Roll out 1 disk with a floured rolling pin into a 14-inch round (about 1/8 inch thick) and fit into the bottom and about halfway up the side of Dutch oven, pressing against the side to help it adhere.
Roll out remaining dough into another 14-inch round, then trim to a 12-inch round with a paring knife, reserving trimmings.
Spoon half of the sweet potatoes evenly into a dough-lined Dutch oven, then top with 1 layer dough trimmings, cutting and fitting trimmings to almost cover potatoes. Add remaining potatoes, then pour syrup over potatoes and cover with a 12-inch dough round, pressing edges together to seal. Cut 3 steam vents on top with a paring knife.
Bake the cobbler until the top is golden, 40 to 45 minutes. Cool to warm before serving, about 30 minutes (dough will absorb most of the syrup).
Enjoy!
These recipes are sure to please as the weather cools, and we hope you love them as much as we do!2022-09-12T11:00:00-07:002022-09-19T08:20:06-07:00Joel Andersontag:joelanderson.ca,2012-09-20:15734Fun and Simple Back to School Lunch IdeasIt’s back to school season, and that means prepping lunches for your kiddos! Life is hectic enough so we’ve got some easy and fun ideas for you that will limit your time in the kitchen and get your kids excited for lunch time!
Bento Boxes: Instead of buying lunchables, you can easily make your own! Throw some crackers, sliced cheese, veggies and/or fruit into your favorite bento box for a quick and simple lunch! You can create all of your child’s favorite food combinations in bento boxes and it saves you the mess of washing (or losing) multiple containers. To make it more fun for your kids, you can always add some cute food picks!
<img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/wHje9V1T3IIK3hxjeB1beBhap2bJ_pxbDcfjJQU-dmkfAB3X9uERGNp00gjT2cSuqIzEMkyfRR_7BsNoWvRxlfEBKX7eFa0woKN2Kemq8hUVVTrVhnPLha7jDVZdwrb2-xFAvB5Z_kX4vp4m1J_3vdw" width="427" height="320" />
Tortilla Pinwheels: Pinwheels are a fun way to present food to your kids! Just roll up a tortilla with your deli meat of choice with cheese or veggies and slice into little one inch rolls! Here are some of our favorite combinations:
Tortilla, Dill Pickle and Cheese served with assorted berries on the side
Tortilla, hummus, shredded lettuce and cucumber with a side of mandarin orange slices
Tortilla, peanut butter and jelly with a side of cut up veggies
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/IVgQoNFi30VbMla6onIWejuXeUzvrQwkFVY8zOespXKPcUrtttR4SSUOJyrK-UhMcSWy-Uopp6KKiRaMjfMS0Dtoe4fYc00-FgUnxA0bX5vuC31g-iLhwOXMRpXEEeJMQs4MrDzc1Ur2DgrUBEUxrjw" width="403" height="301" />
Disassembled Foods: Instead of packing a sandwich or a wrap, offering the ingredients individually can be really fun and interesting for kids at lunch time! This is also a great way to get around aversions to food touching or textures!
<img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/ge0y1LboymXp_nzbt16AMzYXqVfC0x24ch4ofLtuoHTowM3ScAJoFIbhKVkDT3rPZhifwPMInH0axZWh2zawfABOWUtq6-CDWGZx3TklroklTSGupD00wN37WBkBVAEc7Rqhsk9gEZR64MPeXlP9Kpg" width="429" height="290" />2022-09-07T17:00:00-07:002022-09-12T14:04:38-07:00Joel Andersontag:joelanderson.ca,2012-09-20:13967Autumn Decor Trends for 2022
September is right around the corner, and that means pumpkin spice lattes, sweater weather and, most importantly, fall decor! This year, the big themes are focusing on earthy and warm tones to embrace the cooler weather and falling leaves.
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/74oD3eVMPAOJG5lVWxh4Opq01LsyrhCGHK3hTRXmqOGDPcKaPzY0fVCF4jRyIGe5-90SqrgbnjwCcVbk-Vj3d4W5NGW6qFdMon2rBxNtrrfnTX9wwm5zAwthWUoXAl_SpIHI6_FbQirkusIpUsjyxg4" width="337" height="503" />
The most common way to incorporate fall colors is by adding some colorful and cozy throw blankets on your couch, and switching out your duvet cover! A big part of this change is to embrace different textures, whether it’s knitted blankets or velvet throw pillow covers!
One of the more popular textures to add to your home this year is woven pieces, such as baskets and table trays. And in terms of switching up some accessory furniture, look no further than vintage pieces! These can make all the difference in tying a room together.
<img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/GdtEB0x0NfSMVItBzGIGfcBWrR0i-6UbEuI7jltSL1i0vBrrem6zEJ9Yxu07gjy31YG3J93h6bodsmhG5BY1z3LmLnsF5dQlJZXL5k2Xp3pa31HqcUWsg3CRwjmgYVN_TTaDccde8EVicmHF-Gh6_Yc" width="624" height="780" />
A cute and practical way to spice up your kitchen decor for fall is to display fresh produce! A bowl with colorful squash, pears, or even sweet potatoes add a cozy touch to your counters or dining table!
<img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/gh9_ZZrZlYFbHJDdCtnU1OkznkN2CGbeWR6BJpBO8yX35W1LUporOwX7RixcZe7ZUF7DFQtm30bWJqCLuDpqxMzDN-5ZWMfs80oAFsv4xpHg8BB35-UCVuPNo2ZYGLdgbN20F7sPSG8gJAA5UwhwX-k" width="624" height="832" />2022-08-04T15:00:00-07:002022-08-04T15:35:24-07:00Joel Andersontag:joelanderson.ca,2012-09-20:138995 Ways to Maximize the Living Space in Your ApartmentOne of the struggles of apartment living is that storage space can be limited. There’s only so much you can shove in the closet, and having too many belongings on display can make your home feel cluttered and claustrophobic. Below we have listed 5 ways you can reorganize your apartment to maximize living space!
1. Invest in a storage bed. Storage beds will provide drawers to pack away out-of-season clothes and miscellaneous items but won’t take up any extra space in the bedroom!
2. Functional accent furniture is another way to spruce up your apartment without making the space feel smaller, such as tiny side tables, especially one or two-tiered styles. Floating shelves work very well for keeping a space open and you can alternate between organizing books and featuring accent decor.<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3461/image/spacejoy-TbWzzDaqgRE-unsplash_Large_Medium.png" width="640" height="625" />
3. Substitute your floor lighting. Proper lighting is vital in your living area, but it’s best practice to avoid floor lamps when dealing with small spaces. Investing in table lamps, hanging lights, and even DIY lighting projects can completely transform your home!
4. Hanging wall storage is an excellent hack to maximize your space, especially in your kitchen or office! For the kitchen, a wall rack is perfect for hanging bulky pots and pans that take up too much room in kitchen drawers. You can also use wall spice racks or mounted knife holders to create more counter space! Wall storage is also great for a home office: wall racks to organize stationery, organize and separate paperwork, etc.<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3461/image/gareth-hubbard-Z_fl2kybrm0-unsplash.jpg" width="3543" height="2296" />
5. Dual-purpose furniture is a great way to get extra storage space in your home! Couches that offer storage are great for blankets, games, toys, etc. An ottoman with built-in storage would be a great addition to any home, as it acts as a seat, footrest, table for storing miscellaneous or seasonal items!2022-07-25T13:00:00-07:002022-07-25T13:41:15-07:00Joel Andersontag:joelanderson.ca,2012-09-20:13842Refreshing Summer Recipes for a House-Warming PartyPurchasing a house is always an exciting endeavor. One of the most fun aspects is a housewarming party to show off your new space and welcome your friends and family into your home. Below you will find some fan-favorite recipes that are sure to impress and leave your guests wanting more.
Rosemary Bread
This ridiculously easy-to-make bread tastes like it comes from an artisan bakery! This is the perfect go-to dish for gatherings this season, and is best served with some balsamic vinegar and oil.
<img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/J9N9JIeR1coA-NU7rVNqj8Q0pyVJkFnjJ3LMyrcLqm1xIPCP_EWQ0QsLMY3vwIvYFuFcDMwaKsfMg4zAujFHY9CtEr96vw0fCVep4gYPjUL3oEyEKrzRzkJYBERqjKue186FoeNDiNCfrB1AUg" width="660" height="440" />
Ingredients:
4 cups bread flour (plus extra for shaping)
2 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp active dry yeast
1 tbsp fresh finely chopped rosemary
2 cups room temperature tap water
1 tbsp melted butter
1 tbsp flaky sea salt for topping
2 tsp finely chopped fresh rosemary for topping
Directions:
In a medium-large bowl, whisk together the bread flour, salt, yeast and rosemary. Make a well in the center and add the water. Mix well until incorporated. Cover the bowl and leave to rise at room temperature for up to 12 hours.
Preheat the oven to 425℉ and spread a generous amount of bread flour on a work surface. Take the dough and turn it in the flour to coat it fully. Knead the dough for a minute, adding flour as needed.
Divide the dough into three equal parts, rounding each into a ball shape and pinching the ends underneath to create a smooth top. Place the loaves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, smooth side up. Let the loaves rise for 15-20 minutes and lightly brush with melted butter. Sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-28 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with a refreshing side of balsamic vinegar and oil and dip away!
Balsamic Bruschetta
Bruschetta is a classic go-to recipe that is not only delicious, but easy and quick to assemble. Fresh tomatoes and balsamic vinegar on a delicious crunchy piece of french bread is a simple way to please your guests!
<img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/E4zhBw8NrsL5D-YORLj8tYNPiu6GUH_WoAA537YmRtERuDwac3tT-cV1ZWUlOo7KRGg4pX5yRqAqCMNaNVftw12gfNiOpZ5i5DSz0SwJ2B5X7Bn6EKpBD2hnTi0DzTwSv2boIQfLEhp-phKopA" width="624" height="415" />
Ingredients:
1 loaf French bread
1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
7-8 roma tomatoes, diced
⅓ cup chopped fresh basil
⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese
2 cloves of garlic
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 tsp extra-virgin olive oil
¼ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Directions:
Preheat oven 400℉. Slice bread into ¼ inch slices and brush lightly with oil before placing on a baking sheet. Toast for 5-10 minutes until golden brown.
In a medium mixing bowl, toss tomatoes, basil, parmesan, and garlic* with balsamic vinegar, olive oil and salt and pepper.
Spoon tomato mixture onto toasted bread and serve!
*If you’re a fan of garlic, pre-fry it with the olive oil for a delicious flavor!
<br />Strawberry Muffins
These muffins are packed with juicy fruit, and are a beautiful treat to complement the warm summer weather! As an added bonus, they will make your home smell like delicious sugary goodness.
<img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/r6AB9CZnz9jD3QoX1Ld4BWd0cfopnfLcRFIHw3t-KUAjz8OnEqKpRwodORT_4cgKt9-w8x3OEIqQk8QQ8Pd-QM9qMT_LfTqgM8F7vjla4gZvtXt7ro95KbyyUaa46YdYVehFC1CZE6ldtgD-kA" width="624" height="416" />
Ingredients:
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 ½ tbsp lemon zest
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
8 tbsp unsalted butter
2 large eggs
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 cups chopped strawberries
Icing sugar for topping (optional)
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350℉ and line muffin tin with baking liners.
In a large bowl combine the lemon zest and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined.
Add flour, baking powder, salt and butter. Mix until combined and no large chunks of butter remain.
Spoon mixture into each muffin liner (approximately 1 tbsp) and then add strawberries into the remaining batter in the bowl. Divide evenly into muffin cups.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted comes out clean.
Let cool, and sprinkle icing sugar if desired. Serve and enjoy!
2022-07-12T11:36:00-07:002022-07-12T11:42:30-07:00Joel Andersontag:joelanderson.ca,2012-09-20:12874Home Renovations That Buyers WantWhat are the home renovations that buyers want to see on the market? It’s a great question, and one you’ve likely pored over if you’re preparing to list your home for sale in the near future, or you’re embarking on a renovation with a thought to long-term resale value. More than half of Canadians underwent a home renovation for personal/non-ROI purposes, with 29% choosing to renovate for non-essential “lifestyle” reasons, such as recreation-inspired projects. Despite the trend of renovating for personal use and enjoyment, 59% of Canadians said they always consider the return on investment that a renovation will have on their home’s overall market value, so while there is a current renovation trend based on lifestyle aspirations, practicality is never far from the surface. From the homebuyer’s perspective, certain renovations are more in-demand than others.
So, what are the best home improvements to sell your home quicker and for top dollar? Below is a list of what homebuyers want most. There are also sourced ballpark costs for each with Estimates Cost Guide, to give you a rough idea of the level of investment required for each.
6 HOME RENOVATIONS THAT BUYERS WANT
#1 Kitchen
Kitchen renovations are most sought-after by homebuyers. The kitchen is typically the most complicated room in the home to renovate, and the most expensive. Many homebuyers who aren’t interested in taking on a big project will pay a premium to have this big project done for them. Depending on the age and condition of the home, kitchen updates can range from a complete gut job, to updates such as refacing or repainting cabinets, new hardware and appliances, countertop, backsplash and flooring.
kitchen cabinets: $50 to $125 per linear ft.
kitchen counter, laminate: $45 per linear ft.
kitchen counter, marble: $80 per linear ft.
dishwasher: $675 to $950
garbage disposal: $200 to $425
range hood: $350 to $525
porcelain sink: $750 to $900
stainless steel sink: $650 to $800
total cost: $7,500+
#2 Bathroom
New or updated bathrooms are in high demand by homebuyers. This trend echoes the above-mentioned kitchen reno rationale, whereby homebuyers who are unwilling to undergo the effort and inconvenience of a bathroom renovation are willing to pay a premium to have this project already completed.
cabinets $50 to $125 per linear ft.
countertop, laminate: $45 per linear ft.
countertop, marble: $80 per linear ft.
pedestal basin: $375
vanity basin: $250
bathtub – replace / retile: $2,500+
shower connection: $250
shower stall, plastic: $900 to $2,000
shower stall, ceramic tile: $2,500 to $3,300
new toilet: $425
tub enclosure, ceramic tile: $2,500 to $3,300
tub enclosure, plastic: $600 to $1,275
whirlpool bath: $4,250
total cost: $5,250+
#3 Flooring
New flooring as a hot selling feature on the resale market. Depending on the size of the home and the scope of work being done, flooring would typically cost less than a kitchen and bathroom reno, but this is a great way to refresh the home, especially when paired with a fresh coat of paint. Carpet is actually considered to be a drawback by some homebuyers, so this is an update that’s worth completing prior to listing a home for sale.
carpet cleaning: $125 per room
carpet and underpad: $6 to $11 per sq. ft.
ceramic tile: $6 to $11 per sq. ft.
hardwood $6 to $11 per sq. ft.
prefinished hardwood: $11 to $16 per sq. ft.
refinishing hardwood: $3 to $6 per sq. ft.
vinyl sheets: $4 to $9 per sq. ft.
vinyl tile: $4 to $9 per sq. ft.
#4 Paint
Buyers want a fresh coat of paint. This is a relatively simple and low-budget upgrade that makes a big impact on the look and feel (and sometimes, smell) of a property. Given the current seller’s market conditions in many regions across Canada, homes are selling like hotcakes, regardless of renovations. With this in mind, home sellers in particularly hot markets, like Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary are keeping their reno efforts (and budgets) to a minimum. Paint is the simplest and cheapest way to freshen up the place.
Painting walls (3 coats): $2 per sq. ft.
#5 Finished basement
Basement renovations as a huge selling feature on the resale market. Quite simply, if it increases the usable square footage of the home, that’s a good thing in homebuyers’ books.
adding basement entrance: $5,250 to $10,500
basement main beam: $2,100<br />basement support post / foundation: $500 to $1,000
excavation / waterproofing: $125 to $175 per sq. ft.
foundation crack repair (excavation method): $525 to $1,100
foundation crack repair (injection method, cost per crack): $500
acoustic ceiling (suspended): $6 per sq. ft.
baseboard / door / window casing: $4 per linear ft.
drywall over plaster: $3 to $4 per sq. ft.
plaster (over existing plaster): $3 to $4 per sq. ft.
stucco / stipple: $3 per sq. ft.
walls (insulations / drywall): $4 per sq. ft.
painting walls (3 coats): $2 per sq. ft.
wallpaper: $6 to $11 per sq. ft.
#6 Outdoors & landscaping
Homebuyers are setting their sights on the great outdoors with landscaping and outdoor features becoming a popular “must-have” item. This trend became amplified during the course of the pandemic, which saw people spending more time in and around their homes, and buyers looking for bigger yards and features such as swimming pools/hot tubs, patios and decks to act as “outdoor living rooms.”
lay soil & sod: $3 to $6 per sq. ft.
sprinkler system: $1,200
concrete retaining wall: $55 per sq. ft.
wood retaining wall: $45 per sq. ft.
deck, pressure treated / cedar: $15 to $30 per sq. ft.
deck, custom designed & built: $55 to $80 per sq. ft.
patio, concrete: $16 to $25 per sq. ft.
patio, flagstone / fieldstone: $21 per sq. ft.
patio, interlock brick / stone: $11 to $16 per sq. ft.
patio stones: $6 per sq. ft.
porch flooring: $8 per sq. ft.
porch railing: $225
porch skirting: $21 per linear ft.
porch steps, concrete: $525
porch steps, wood: $325
chain-link fence (4-ft. high): $10 to $20 per linear ft.
cedar fence (5-ft. high): $15 to $30 per linear ft.
pressure treated wood fence (5-ft. high): $10 to $20 per linear ft.
reset post in concrete: $80
vinyl-lined pool (16ft. x 40ft.): $15,000 to $20,000
concrete-lined pool (16ft. x 40ft.): $30,000+
pool heater: $2,100
pump / filter: $1,600
fiberglass hot tub: $5,250+
2022-02-07T19:15:00-07:002022-02-07T19:38:00-07:00Joel Andersontag:joelanderson.ca,2012-09-20:12774Anticipated Mortgage Rate Announcement!Excellent information from Easy123 Mortage on the recent mortgage rate announcement!
Ever since the US Fed hinted that they are expecting to raise their rate sooner than expected, there has been increasing speculation that the Bank of Canada would increase their rate on their next scheduled rate announcement which came on January 26th. In fact, economists were predicting a 70% chance of a rate increase on this date.
The Bank of Canada announced this morning that they will be holding rates where they are for now.
Why Didn’t They Raise Their Rate?
Canadian economic growth has been stronger than expected, however we are still in the middle of a lockdown. The US is not plagued by the same restrictions, which gives their economy an edge. While they’ve moved up their projected rate increase, it’s not expected to happen until March. As the Bank of Canada usually follows the US, it seemed unlikely that we’d see them increase their rate this much sooner. Uncertainty tends to keep rates low.
On the other end of the stick, inflationary pressures continue to be a significant concern. The BOC expects CPI inflation to remain close to 5% for the first half of 2022, however they expect this to pull back to 3% by the end of the year.
What Can We Expect From The Next Bank of Canada Rate Announcement?
This will depend largely on Omicron’s economic impact leading up to their next scheduled rate announcement on March 2nd. They expect it to be “less severe than previous waves”, which could result in it fizzling out sooner than later.
“Economic growth is then expected to bounce back and remain robust over the projection horizon, led by consumer spending on services, and supported by strength in exports and business investment”, the Bank stated in their announcement.
Since the summer, the Bank of Canada was expected to hold their rate until sometime in the middle two quarters of 2022. They stated in their announcement that they are ending their commitment to holding this position.
While there is still a chance that we won’t see an increase until April, there is a possibility that they will increase on March 2nd. In their announcement, the Bank of Canada acknowledged that they need to increase rates.
We all know that already. It’s just a matter of when, and how many increases we’ll see.
How Many Rate Increases Are Expected?
Many are expecting the Bank of Canada to increase their key policy rate four times this year, with some economists anticipating as many as five.
Even if this happens, it still won’t be back to pre-pandemic levels.
It was the start of the pandemic that led to the Bank of Canada slashing its rate by 1.50% within a few short weeks.
That means it would take six rate increases before we are back to where we were before this whole mess began.
They will eventually get there, but they can’t move too quickly. I think even four increases would be aggressive and can see the actual number being more like two or three.
Time will tell.
Rate Cuts Will Follow
The more frequently the Bank of Canada increases its rate, the sooner they will need to make a downward adjustment. All the talk is about rate increases, yet we never hear anyone talking about the decreases that will follow.
And they will. It’s just a matter of when they come.
The spread between fixed and variable rates is larger than it’s been in years, which makes variable rate mortgages viable options for many, despite the rate increases we can expect throughout this year and beyond.2022-02-01T07:19:00-07:002022-02-01T07:26:11-07:00Joel Andersontag:joelanderson.ca,2012-09-20:12708Amazing, Simple and Sweet Dessert Charcuterie Board IdeasCharcuterie boards are definitely a party pleaser and can be presented very extravagantly but usually are made with delicious cheeses, meats, olives, vegetables, etc. Here are some ideas to really impress your guests with dessert charcuterie boards...the sky is the limit!
DONUT BOARD
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3461/image/donut.jpg" width="1200" height="800" />
COOKIE BOARD
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3461/image/Aldi-Cookie-Charcuterie-Board.jpg" width="1600" height="2400" />
MOVIE NIGHT CANDY BOARD
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3461/image/movie_night.jpg" width="2000" height="1333" />
CHOCOLATE SAMPLER BOARD
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3461/image/chocolate.jpg" width="320" height="157" />
S'MORES CHARCUTERIE BOARD
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3461/image/smores-charcuterie-boards.jpg" width="1024" height="1024" />
CARAMEL APPLE DESSERT BOARD
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3461/image/apple.jpg" />
ICE CREAM SUNDAE CHARCUTERIE BOARD
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3461/image/Ice-Cream-Board-Carrie-Final-1-2.jpg" width="700" height="700" />
CHOCOLATE FONDUE BOARD
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3461/image/choc_fondu.jpg" width="900" height="986" />
2022-01-24T18:43:00-07:002022-01-24T19:12:19-07:00Joel Andersontag:joelanderson.ca,2012-09-20:12685Unique Things to Do in the Mountains After DarkWith this incredible turn in the weather, now is a good time to take advantage of these night activities in the mountains!
Sunset comes early in the mountains right now and you can pretty much expect it to be dark before dinner. But, just because it looks like nighttime out there doesn’t mean you have to call it a day. Here are some great after-dark activities to try this winter in the nearby mountain areas.
Ice Walking in Grotto Canyon
Located east of Canmore near Exshaw, Grotto Canyon is a fantastic place for an evening ice walk during the winter months. The Grotto Canyon trail is a loop of just over 2.8 kilometres and has a low elevation gain. Canadian Rockies Experience offers tours of the canyon, which have grown in popularity over the past two years amongst experienced and novice hikers, alike. The guided, three-and-a-half-hour tours are perfect for small groups and families, and include safety gear like headlamps and traction aids, as well as freshly baked desserts and brewed hot beverages from local bakery Wild Grazing.
Soaking Up the Stars in Kananaskis
Relaxing in a heated pool or natural hot springs while being able to see your breath in the winter air is a must-do experience. Kananaskis Nordic Spa is open most evenings until 9 p.m., with hot and cold temperature pools to cycle through as well as various steam rooms and saunas. Pair your spa night with a stay at the adjacent Pomeroy Kananaskis Lodge so you don’t have to drive home afterwards. Note that, as of June 1, 2021, all vehicles stopping in Kananaskis Country must have a Kananaskis Conservation Pass, which can be purchased online. (Some exemptions exist).
Outdoor Skating in Canmore
Canmore is an outdoor skating mecca, with a variety of natural skating spots in the nearby mountain areas. But you’ll also find great outdoor ice right in the heart of town at The Pond. Conveniently located just two blocks from Main Street on 7th Avenue at Mallard Alley, the Pond’s ice is maintained daily by the Parks Department and flooded several times per week (weather permitting). The public rink is lit up nightly until 10 p.m. for evening skating and there’s a gazebo area with benches and heating if you’d rather just chill.
Night-Skiing at Norquay
Norquay ski resort offers the only night-skiing experience in the Canadian Rockies. On Friday and Saturday evenings during the winter, Norquay opens three freshly groomed green runs. The night-skiing zone is lit up by floodlights and includes the terrain park for those who like hitting jumps and rail features. If you aren’t much of a skier or snowboarding enthusiast, there’s also night-tubing in the tube park. Cap off your evening at the Lone Pine Pub with a Norquay 95 Quality Time session ale from Banff Ave Brewing Co., created in 2020 in celebration of Norquay’s 95th season.
Fat-Biking in Fernie
Fernie Alpine Resort offers guided fat-biking tours on Tuesday evenings throughout the winter starting at 5 p.m., and on other evenings by request. These family-friendly tours usually last about two hours and proceed along groomed snow trails at the resort and through the nearby forested areas. Dressing for winter cycling can be a bit of a challenge, especially when it comes to footwear — shoes that are warm and waterproof, but less bulky than full winter boots are the best option. Fat bike rentals at the resort include headlamps (very important for riding at night).
Sleigh Riding at Lake Louise
Those seeking a more serene way of enjoying the mountains can venture up to Lake Louise for an evening sleigh ride with Brewster Adventures. The 45- to 60-minute rides set out from the grand Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise hotel in a horse-drawn sleigh with cozy, upholstered seats. Brewster Adventures offers regular bookings for a maximum of 10 to 12 people, as well as private bookings. There’s also a two-seater cutter-sleigh, for a more intimate experience. The evening sleigh rides offer the perfect setting for seeing the stars and a great opportunity to take photos.
Stargazing in Jasper
No list of after-dark activities in the mountains would be complete without stargazing in Jasper. With the area designated a Dark Sky Preserve in 2011, citizens of Jasper take light pollution very seriously — many of the streetlights in town point downward so as not to create excess light. The Jasper Planetarium offers a guided telescope and planetarium experience. You’ll learn about local constellations of First Nations peoples, the Northern Lights and more inside the planetarium, while outside, you’ll look through powerful telescopes and get the chance to handle meteorites, Mars rocks and moon rocks.2022-01-15T10:31:00-07:002022-01-15T10:42:29-07:00Joel Andersontag:joelanderson.ca,2012-09-20:12637What We Can Expect From Mortgage Rates In 2022Some great information from Easy123 Mortgage on their predictions for mortgage rates in 2022!
Why Mortgage Rates Increased In 2021
At the start of 2021, we saw the lowest 5 year fixed rate in history at 1.39%. At the time, it was predicted that rates would be a bit higher by the end of the year. They were wrong. They aren’t a bit higher....They are a lot higher.
So, what happened?
Many people were so frustrated with the pandemic that they started to develop a ‘life goes on’ attitude....we can’t live in a bubble forever! And hibernating at home for two years is not living. People are getting out and spending money, which is driving our economy forward…and bringing mortgage rates with it.
We made it until early October when the lowest 5 year fixed rate for an insured mortgage was as low as 1.59%, slightly higher than where the year started. Fixed mortgage rates then started increasing and increasing fast.
Fortunately, mortgage rates have since stabilized.
The Omicron COVID variant creates uncertainty moving forward, which has contributed to ending the upward trend for fixed mortgage rates. The Bank Of Canada is still planning on increasing their rate at some point in the middle two quarters of 2022, however Omicron might force them to push it out later than originally expected.
It comes down to how the pandemic unfolds.
With any luck, this will be COVID-19’s last kick, which would finally put this thing behind us.
That would then mean that mortgage rates can be expected to increase further.
5 year fixed mortgage rates are currently as low as 2.19% – 2.59%, or variable as low as 0.90% (prime -1.55%) to 1.35% (prime -1.10%), depending on your situation. Should 2022 be the year that the pandemic final fizzles out, then we would expect mortgage rates to be higher at the end of the year.
Rising mortgage rates can be concerning for those with mortgages coming up for renewal, or for those looking to purchase. We do our best to keep you posted on what can be expected with mortgage rates moving forward, but all we can do is speculate. Anything can happen.
For those with mortgages coming up for renewal in 2022, you’ll be able to lock in a rate up to 120 days prior to your maturity date, so we would recommend reaching out to your Lender at this time to find out your options.
Conclusion
Regardless of what happens, 2022 will be another interesting year. Hopefully we won’t see the mortgage rate roller coaster we saw in 2020, or the large upward swings we saw in 2021. A little bit of stability in rates would be nice, but that might be no more than wishful thinking. Time will tell and anything can happen.2022-01-07T07:05:00-07:002022-01-07T07:14:03-07:00Joel Andersontag:joelanderson.ca,2012-09-20:12593Canadian Real Estate Prices Expected to Rise in 2022Some great predictions for a strong market in 2022!
Confidence continues in Canadian real estate market, with the inter-provincial relocation trend likely to remain strong in 2022
Migration between provinces is expected to continue in 2022, potentially impacting local Canadian real estate conditions.
49 percent of Canadians believe the housing market will remain steady in 2022 and view real estate as one of the best investment options over the next year
Some of the highest outlooks are anticipated for Atlantic Canada, with Moncton and Halifax projecting average residential sales prices to increase by 20 percent and 16 percent respectively in 2022
97 percent of regions surveyed are likely to remain seller’s markets in 2022
Based on feedback from brokers and agents, the inter-provincial relocation trend that we began to see in the summer of 2020 still remains very strong and is expected to continue into 2022. Less-dense cities and neighbourhoods offer buyers the prospect of greater affordability, along with liveability factors such as more space. In order for these regions to retain these appealing qualities and their relative market balance, housing supply needs to be added. Without more homes and in the face of rising demand, there’s potential for conditions in these regions to shift further.
Despite the global pandemic, many Canadians still feel confident in the real estate market. According to a Leger survey, 49 percent of respondents believe Canadian real estate will remain one of their best investment options in 2022.
Canadians recognize the value and investment potential in their homes. However, market challenges such as rising prices and limited supply have impacted local markets from coast-to-coast, causing angst this past year among those looking to get into the market and those hoping to move up in it.
2022 Regional Canadian Real Estate Insights
Agents in Canada were asked to provide an analysis of their local market in 2021 and share their estimated outlook for 2022. Based on their insights, 97 per cent of Canadian real estate markets are expected to favour sellers, impacted by limited housing supply and high demand.
WESTERN CANADA
The Calgary and Edmonton markets shifted from balanced conditions in 2020 to seller’s markets in 2021, which brokers and agents in the region expect to continue into 2022. This is attributed to heightened demand prompted by the inter-provincial migration trend that took place throughout 2021, which saw many homebuyers from Ontario and British Columbia driving demand high, while supply remained low.
In addition to an increase in out-of-province buyers flocking to Edmonton, the region has also welcomed investors who found themselves priced out of other markets. RBC’s provincial outlook for Alberta puts this province ahead of all others in terms of economic growth in 2022, which should bode well for homebuyers and investors alike in 2022.
Regions such as Victoria, Nanaimo, Regina and Kelowna also experienced an influx of buyers in search of larger properties and greater affordability, which is likely to continue pushing demand and prices up in 2022. This trend has notably increased demand for single-family detached homes and in some regions, condos as well, which may continue in 2022.
Despite some buyers choosing to move away from urban centres such as Vancouver/Greater Vancouver in favour of suburban areas within British Columbia, or leaving the province entirely, Vancouver/Greater Vancouver has remained a quality place to live. The region continues to draw interest from Canadian and international buyers, a trend that is likely to grow next year, in tandem with rising immigration. Vancouver/Greater Vancouver is expected to remain a seller’s market in 2022, providing inventory stays tight and current demand continues.
Winnipeg is anticipated to continue to be a seller’s market in 2022. Young couples enjoying the freedom to work from home have been driving much of the demand in the region, especially for one- and two-story detached homes. The appeal of Winnipeg has had less to do with affordability, and more with lifestyle shifts such as hybrid working environments.
Additional findings from the 2022 Canadian Housing Market Outlook Report
Two-in-five Canadians trust their agent to advise them during the current real estate landscape (43 per cent)
23 per cent of Canadians now have a greater desire to build their own home or buy pre-construction
26 per cent of Canadians have the desire to purchase a home while mortgage rates remain low
62 per cent of Canadians currently own a home. This is higher among those ages 35+ (70 per cent) compared with Millennials, ages 18-34 (42 per cent)
The majority of Canadians (72 per cent) said rising home prices did not impact their purchasing decisions in 2021.
2021-12-30T13:14:00-07:002021-12-30T13:28:21-07:00Joel Andersontag:joelanderson.ca,2012-09-20:12499Can You Add Renovation Costs To Your Mortgage?Some great information from Easy123 Mortgage...renovations can be costly and this is a great option for you should you want to tackle a project all at once instead of a little bit at a time!
Add Renovation Costs To Your Mortgage
Finding the ideal home can be challenging, if not impossible, especially in a hot real estate market. You might find a home where you love the layout, but the kitchen and bathrooms haven’t been updated for fifty years. Sure, that psychedelic wallpaper, and vintage cabinetry might have been quite the rage in the 70’s, but doesn’t quite cut it in modern times. All it needs is a few renovations, and your perfect home will then be complete.
The only problem is how you’re going to pay for it. Once you factor in your deposit, down payment, and closing costs, you may not have anything left for renovations. Fortunately, there is a solution.
Purchase Plus Improvements Mortgage
Most lenders offer a Purchase Plus Improvements product, which will allow you to add the cost of your renovations to your mortgage, therefore financing the entire shebang. The maximum amount of the improvements that can be added is $40,000, however it may be possible to get a higher amount in some situations.
For the most part, it works just like any other mortgage arrangement. The only difference is you would need to obtain a detailed quote from a contractor after your offer to purchase has been accepted. This quote would then be sent through to the lender for approval. You don’t need to worry about shopping around with different contractors at this stage, as you’re not obligated to use the contractor providing the quote. All you need is a single quote for now.
Once the lender has accepted the quote from your contractor, we would then need to order an appraisal which will confirm both the purchase price, as well as the as improved value.
At time of closing, the mortgage lender will send your lawyer the funds to complete the purchase of the home, along with the funds for the renovation. The lender will instruct your lawyer to hold back the additional funds which would be held in trust until the renovations have been completed.
You would then notify us that the work has been done. The appraiser would then come out to your home a second time only to confirm the work has been completed. They are not required to reassess the value, as that would have been done with the initial <a href="https://www.easy123mortgage.ca/what-happens-if-your-home-appraisal-comes-in-low/">appraisal</a>.
Once the lender has received the confirmation, they would then instruct the lawyer to release the funds to you. No portion of the additional funds would be released to you until the renovations have been 100% completed.
Can All Types Of Renovations Be Included?
It’s important that the renovations increase the value home by a similar amount. For example, if you are purchasing a home for $900,000, and the renovation quote is for $40,000, then the renovations would need to increase the value of the home to $940,000. As some renovations may only add minimal value, if any, not all types of renovations would be accepted.
Here are some examples of common renovations that add the most value, and are therefore perfect candidates for the program:
Kitchen
Bathroom
Roof replacement
Painting
Flooring
Windows and doors
Basement finishing
The above renovations would all add significant value to the home, and are therefore accepted. Now let’s take a look at the other side. Here are some examples of renovations that wouldn’t be acceptable under the program:
Adding a pool in the backyard
Appliances
Lighting
Dated renos (such as glass blocks)
Removing a wall
Adding a wine cellar
Unusual or unique renovations (adding a bar in the middle of the living room for example)
Sure, some of the above can all make a big difference in the overall enjoyment or attractiveness of your home, however they wouldn’t qualify for the purchase plus improvements program as they add minimal value, if any at all.
Down Payment Requirements
The down payment requirements do not change with a purchase plus improvements mortgage. The only exception is that it will be based on the new ‘as improved’ value, not the purchase price. For example, if you were purchasing a $900,000 home with 20% down, and your improvements were $40,000, then the 20% would be calculated based on the $940,000, not the $900,000. In other words, your 20% down payment would increase from $180,000 to $188,000.
What if you have less than 20% down payment?
You can still be eligible for a purchase plus improvements mortgage with as little as 5% down. Regardless of whether you’re looking for a purchase plus improvements mortgage or not, a 5% down payment will only allow you to buy up to a maximum purchase price of $500,000. If you’re purchasing for more than $500,000, which is pretty much everything these days, then you’ll need 10% on any amount over $500,000 and up to $999,999. For example, if you were purchasing a home for $800,000, then the minimum down payment would be $25,000 on the first $500,000 (5%), and then $30,000 for the remaining $300,000 (10%) for a total minimum down payment of $55,000. Remember, if you’re proceeding with a purchase plus improvements mortgage, then your minimum down payment is calculated on the as improved value, not the purchase price.
If you are purchasing for over $1,000,000 (or if the ‘as improved’ value is over $1,000,000), then the minimum down payment will be 20%.
How Long Do You Have To Complete The Renovations?
This would be lender specific. Some will give you a 90 day window, while others will allow you up to one year. If you think you’ll need a bit longer, then it’s best to let us know at the time so we can find lender best suited to your needs.
Drawbacks To A Purchase Plus Improvements Mortgage
The biggest disadvantage is that you’ll need to fund the initial reno yourself. You will not be reimbursed until the renovations have been completed and the lender has authorized your lawyer to release the funds to you.
This means that you’ll need to find a way to cover the initial cost on your own.
If you don’t have any additional cash available, then you might want to consider a personal line of credit, or credit card. Keep in mind that most credit cards carry a pretty high interest rate, so you’ll want to try to cover as much as you can from your own savings if possible. It’s important that you DO NOT charge anything to your credit card or line of credit before closing on your new mortgage without consulting us first.
You can also try to work something out with your contractor where they don’t receive their final payment until after the work has been completed. This might not be for a few weeks after completion as the appraiser still needs to come out to inspect the property and prepare the report. The lender may then need a few days to review, before giving the final instruction to your lawyer to release the funds.
Another drawback is that you’ll be paying interest on the money held in trust by your lawyer, even though it has not been released to you. As the lender has already dispersed the entire amount, interest is still payable from day one, regardless of whether or not you have received the funds.
Reducing Your Down Payment To Pay For Renovations
For those with larger down payments, the easiest thing to do is to simply reduce your down payment and then use the difference to complete your reno. For example, if you were purchasing a home for $1.4 million with a $500,000 down, you could reduce your down payment to $400,000, therefore freeing up $100,000 to fund your reno. You can always use your prepayment privileges to apply anything left over back into your mortgage, if applicable.
Keep in mind that renovations always tend to run over budget, so it’s always best to hold back a little more than what you think you’ll need.
This can also work if you have less than 20% down payment. Say you’re purchasing a home for $975,000 with a $120,000 down payment. You can reduce your down payment to as low as $72,500 and then use the leftover funds to pay for your renovation. Note that lowering your down payment may result in a higher CMHC insurance premium, which we would discuss with you in detail when determining your options.
Are You Looking To Renovate Your Current Home?
If you already own a home and you think it could be spruced up a bit, then a similar product is available, which is called refinance plus improvements. This is a product that is seldom used as most people have enough equity to allow them to refinance their homes to access the required funds. No special program needed. The refinance plus improvements would only be used if there was not sufficient equity in the home, as you’re only able to access 80% of your home’s appraised value.
Another option would be to add a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) to your mortgage, which can be done without having to refinance. The better option would depend on a variety of different things, such as your cost to break your current mortgage, how much money you need to borrow, and how soon you need the funds. Every situation can be a bit different and your lender can discuss with you the difference options available to you.
2021-12-12T15:50:00-07:002021-12-12T15:59:05-07:00Joel Andersontag:joelanderson.ca,2012-09-20:12450Our Favorite Holiday RecipesThe holidays are quickly approaching and food is always an important component to making it a memorable one! We wanted to share with you our team "Go-To" recipes and hope that you will enjoy them as much as we do!
Eggnog Cookies (Pam's Fave!)
<br />Servies 32-36<br />Preheat: 350<br />Cook time: 10-12 minutes<br /><br />Cookies Ingredients<br />3/4 butter softened<br />1/2 cup sugar<br />1/2 cup brown sugar<br />2 egg yolks<br />1/2 cup eggnog<br />1 tsp vanilla<br />2 1/4 cups of white flour<br />2 tsp baking powder<br />1 tsp nutmeg<br />1 tsp cinnamon<br />1/2 tsp salt<br /><br />Frosting Ingredients<br />1/3 butter, softened<br />3 cups powdered sugar<br />4-5 TBLS eggnog<br />1/2 tsp nutmeg<br />1/4 tsp cinnamon<br /><br />Cookie Directions:<br />1. Preheat oven to 350, grease cookie sheet and set aside.<br />2. In a large bowl, cream butter, both sugars until fluffy. Then add egg yolks, eggnog, and vanilla continue to beat until creamy.<br />3. Add all dry ingredients, beat on medium until combine.<br />4. Roll into 1” balls and place 2” apart on cookie sheet.<br />5. Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes.<br /><br />Frosting Directions<br />Cream butter until fluffy, add powdered sugar (slowly) and beat until combine. Add eggnog, nutmeg, and cinnamon, beat for 3 minutes until smooth.<br />Frost cookies once they are completely cooled, and sprinkle with nutmeg if desired. Enjoy!<br /><br /><br />Poppycock (Joels Pick!)<br /><br />Preheat: 300<br />Cook time: 20 minutes<br /><br />1 cup of chopped pecans<br />1 cup of blanched almonds<br />8 cups of plain popped popcorn<br />1 1/3 cup brown sugar<br />1 cup butter<br />1/2 cup corn syrup<br />1/2 tsp cream of tartar<br />1/2 tsp soda<br />1 tsp rum flavouring<br />1 glass of very cold water<br /><br /> Directions:<br />1. Heat oven to 300. Spread pecans and almonds on cookie sheet, then bake until lightly toasted (about 20 minutes). Cool<br />2. Grease large metal or glass bowl, as well as all spoons and utensils you plan to use (even plan to do your hands). Toss nuts and popcorn in the bowl, set aside. Steps 4 and 5 will happen rapidly, so make sure you’re prepared!<br />3. Prepare a glass of very cold water for temperature testing, place near stove. In a heavy pot combine sugar, butter, corn syrup, and cream of tartar. Cook sugar mixture for about 5 minutes, testing regularly.<br />**To test the temperature, use a spoon to drop a small drip of sugar mixture into the cold water. If the droplet lays flat on the bottom of the glass, it’s not ready. It is only ready when a droplet forms a ball when dropped into the glass of cold water.**<br />As soon as it reaches temperature, remove from heat.<br />4. Add cream of tartar, and rum flavouring. Stir.<br />5. Pour Sugar mixture over popcorn mixture, using greased utensils to thoroughly combine all ingredients until all pieces are coated with sugar mixture. Turn out popcorn mix into a pre greased cookie sheet, and press into an even layer approximately 1” thick using the back of a spoon.<br />6. Set out to cool, until hard (cooling can be sped up by placing in fridge, or outside a a short time).<br />7. Break into manageable pieces and enjoy!<br /><br /><br />Christmas Morning Wife Saver (Heathers' Numero Uno!)<br /><br />**Prepare the night before**<br />Preheat (in the morning): 350<br />Cooks: for 1 hour<br /><br />Ingredients:<br />12 slices of bread<br />12 slices of bacon or thinly sliced ham<br />Butter<br />1-2 cups of grated cheese<br /><br />Sauce:<br />6 eggs<br />1 tsp salt<br />1/4 tsp pepper<br />2 tsp Worcestershire sauce<br />3 cups of milk<br />1 tsp dry mustard<br />1/4 cup minced onion<br />1/4 cup diced green pepper<br />1 cup of Cornflakes or Shreddies<br />Dash of Tabasco sauce (Optional)<br /><br />Directions:<br />1. Place a layer of 6 slices of buttered bread in a 9x13" pan, buttered side down. Layer bacon, then grated cheese, and topped with second slice of bread.<br />2. Beat all sauce ingredients together, then pour over the bread layers in the 9x13" pan. Try and pour over entire top layer.<br />3. Refrigerate over night.<br />4. Pre heat oven to 350.<br />5. Sprinkle Cornflakes over the entire top layer, then bake for 1 hour uncovered.<br />6. Go open some stockings a few gifts, and when breakfast is ready, enjoy!
Skip The Dishes (Jolene's Specialty!!!)2021-12-04T13:06:00-07:002021-12-04T13:11:33-07:00Joel Andersontag:joelanderson.ca,2012-09-20:12400Five Christmas Tree Trends of 2021If you are in need of some inspiration, these Christmas tree trends are sure to give you some guidance. In 2021, decorations are about so much more than red and green!
Perhaps you want to add to your existing collection of Christmas tree ideas, changing up the look you always go for, or you’re after a whole new look - these ideas are simple and easy to follow!
Of course, the way to think about Christmas tree trends is that there are some staples that never go out of style. Twinkly lights, gleaming trinkets, and gift-wrapped boxes never fall out of favor. But these interpretations of how to decorate the tree all feel very now, while seeming timeless as well.
1. JUST PICK ONE
If you’re single-minded in your vision, then this Christmas tree trend is for you, and is one of the most cohesive alternative Christmas tree ideas. Paring back to just one color across the whole tree is not only a bold and stylish look, but also an incredibly easy one to execute. The single-use of color is bold and looks extremely sophisticated, while the contrast between the pine needles and the velvet soft finish of matt painted decor is eye catching.
2. PLAYFUL PASTELS
This look incorporates a more whimsical color palette and retro designs. Pastel pinks and blues with hints of old festive trinkets, retro tree lights and vintage-style capture the sentimentality of the season, while pretty ribbons and bows offer an element of playfulness and fun. For this look, a faux frosted tree works beautifully with the color palette while twinkling wall decorations and candlelight offer that cozy glow.
3. GO ALL NATURAL
For something a little softer, you can’t beat a palette of natural tones. Sitting beautifully against festive foliage - be it a tree, table centerpiece or staircase garland - these tones will really accentuate the beauty of nature.
The camel, tan and beige hues that make up the majority of our decorations collection are a softer take on the gold tones traditionally associated with Christmas. Natural colors are a big trend this winter, and speak to the wider shift towards all things organic.
4 MIXED METALLICS
Gone are the days of needing to choose between gold and silver, because this year, they’re the new power couple. Just like the principles in interior design, combine these two metallic tones in abundance for maximum effect. Add gold, silver and sparkle across baubles and fairy lights - and in plentiful amounts.
5. DOWN TO EARTH
If you love green, but are after a more contemporary alternative to red - try terracotta. Terracotta and olive work so well together because they are both warm, earthy tones and they don’t overpower each other.
Terracotta is one of those colors that go with grey, making it perfect for a sophisticated scheme. And when it comes to layering other elements into this look, take your cue from the natural world. These tones are very inspired by nature, which is always the best palette to draw from.
2021-11-26T19:16:00-07:002021-11-26T19:35:15-07:00Joel Andersontag:joelanderson.ca,2012-09-20:12332Best Toboggan and Sledding Hills in CalgaryIt won't be long before the ground is covered with snow and it's time to pull out the sleds for some family fun! Here are some of the best hills in Calgary that everyone can enjoy!
NE Calgary
Big Marlborough Park – dry pond: 755 Madeira Dr. NE<br />Deerfoot Athletic Park: 1503 16 Ave. NE<br />Marlborough C0mmunity Association: 636 Marlborough Way NE<br />Monterey Park: 2707 Catalina Blvd. NE (northeast corner only)<br />Prairie Winds Park: 223 Castleridge Blvd. NE (north side of the hill)<br />Rundle – dry pond: 4120 Rundlethorn Dr. NE (behind Rundle Elementary School)<br />Thorncliffe/Greenview: 5600 Centre St. NE
SW Calgary
Bridlewood: 20 Bridleglen Park SW<br />Glendale Park: 2225 45 St. SW<br />Kingsland – dry pond: 505 78 Ave. SW (behind Rose Kohn/Jimmy Condon arenas)<br />Richmond Green: 2539 33 Ave. SW<br />Sacramento – dry pond: 10404 Sacramento Dr. SW<br />Scarboro: 1737 14 Ave. SW<br />Signal Hill: 2063 Sirocco Dr. SW<br />Stanley Park: 330 42 Ave. SW
SE Calgary
McKenzie Towne: 160 McKenzie Towne Dr. SE<br />Maple Ridge – dry Pond: 1127 Mapleglade Close SE<br />New Brighton: 1750 New Brighton Dr. SE
NW Calgary
Confederation Park: 2807 10 St. NW (north side of the park, immediately west of Rosemont Community Centre). A variety of hills to choose from, a meandering stream, quaint bridges and beautiful scenery make Confederation Park one of the best places to spend a winter day.
Hidden Valley: 10504 Hidden Valley Dr. NW
Royal Oak: 9100 Royal Birch Blvd. NW<br />This hill is perfect for families with small children. The hills are not too long or steep and there are some gorgeous 360-degree views of the surrounding area on the top!
St. Andrew’s Heights: 2504 13 Ave. NW2021-11-19T17:05:00-07:002021-11-19T17:13:36-07:00Joel Andersontag:joelanderson.ca,2012-09-20:12299Staging Tips for Selling During the Holidays
It’s the time of year that calendars are packed with family & friends, budgets are often strained by gift-giving and the roads are covered in freshly fallen snow. Alas, it is a challenge for real estate. But the good news is that the few brave house-hunters who do venture out are serious about buying a house and stylish trimmings will make them want to ring in the new year in your home.
Holidays can be personal on a lot of levels, but you want to make sure your decor is neutral and you will want to romance your buyer, not invite them to your Christmas party!
Try these tips to get Buyers in the right spirit:
Clean and stage. Before you decorate, your house needs to be staged. If your living room is already piled high with clutter, your ceramic reindeer collection is only going to add to the sense of overcrowding.
Create a cozy vibe. The less-is-more mantra of home staging may tempt you to forgo holiday cheer this year. But a few subtle touches like a bowl of pinecones, an evergreen wreath, or a pot of cider simmering on the stove can create a warm and festive feeling in your home.
Complement your palette. Before you start untangling your tinsel, make sure your holiday collection matches your current decor. If your living room is painted a soothing ocean-blue hue, skip the clashing red garland and opt for white snowflakes or a silver glass-ball wreath. If you’ve got an earthy color scheme, accent with rich tones like cranberries, forest greens and gold.
Accentuate the positive. Too many trimmings may distract buyers, but the right accessories can draw attention to your home’s best features. Dangle mistletoe in an arched doorway, or display your menorah on the ledge of a bay window; just don’t block a beautiful view with stick-on snowflake decals or clutter an elegant fireplace with personalized stockings.
Go light on lights. Step away from the inflatable snowman, Clark Griswold. One man’s “merry” is another man’s “tacky,” so tone down any garish light displays while your home is on the market. Instead, use simple string lighting to play up your home’s architecture or draw attention to the gorgeous fir tree in your front yard.
Be an equal-opportunity decorator. Leave the life-sized Nativity scene in storage this year, because overtly religious flourishes may be off-putting to some buyers. You want to keep neutrality throughout, so you can attract any type of buyer. No matter what your religion is, you’re not going to feel offended by a nutcracker.
Mind the tree. A tall Christmas tree can help you show off your two-story great room, but make sure the wide base won’t overwhelm the floor space. If your living area is on the small side, save space with a skinny tree. Swap the gaudy heirloom ornaments and trim your tree in a cohesive theme such as icicle lights and silver tinsel, for example, or blue and gold glass balls.
Clear the clutter. A few decorations can stir the holiday spirit, but don’t feel obliged to hang every last ornament. Limit yourself to a few hints of holiday flair, but stash the rest in the basement for now. If you start to miss your Santa figurines, just remember that with a little luck, you’ll be celebrating next year’s holidays in a new home. And you can decorate that place any way you please.
2021-11-12T19:42:00-07:002021-11-12T19:59:34-07:00Joel Andersontag:joelanderson.ca,2012-09-20:12281Where to buy the BEST Hot Chocolate Bombs in Calgary for the Christmas Season!
There is definetly a wave of excitement surrounding the fun of scooping your hot chocolate bomb into a warm cup of milk and watching it unfold! But where can you find them? Read below for some of the best places to get these magical treats this holiday season!
If you have no idea what hot chocolate bombs are they are typically chocolate hollow spheres filled with hot chocolate powder and different flavours and toppings. Once you place the hot chocolate bomb or cocoa bomb into a hot cup of milk the chocolate shell melts and exposes the inner mix ins to the milk. It’s a really wonderful experience for all ages!
Here are some places to buy hot chocolate bombs in Calgary to support small businesses:
<a href="https://instagram.com/94takethecake">94 Take The Cake</a>
<a href="https://instagram.com/yyc_cocoabubble/">Cocoa Bubble</a>
<a href="https://instagram.com/icedinnovationscakes">Iced Innovations Cakes</a>
<a href="https://instagram.com/thechocolatedrop_yyc">The Chocolate Drop</a>
<a href="https://instagram.com/8cakesyyc">8 Cakes</a>
<a href="https://instagram.com/forsweetsakes">For Sweets Sakes</a>
<a href="https://instagram.com/mjbakesyyc">MJ Bakes</a>
<a href="https://instagram.com/_cocoaandmore">Cocoa And More</a>
<a href="http://bombchocolate.ca/">Bomb Cocoa Bombs</a>
<a href="https://instagram.com/laurenandcourtneybake">Lauren & Courtney Bake</a>
<a href="https://instagram.com/aliciasbakery_yyc">Alicia’s Bakery</a>
<a href="https://instagram.com/sugarandsmilesyyc">Sugar & Smiles YYC</a>
<a href="https://instagram.com/sugar_mommayyc">Sugar Momma YYC</a>
<a href="http://www.sweetelementyyc.com/">Sweet Element YYC</a>
<a href="https://instagram.com/djsweetexpectations">D&J Sweet Expectations</a>
<a href="https://instagram.com/master_chocolat">Masters Chocolat</a>
<a href="https://instagram.com/sweets_of_paradise_yyc">Sweets of Paradise</a>
<a href="https://m.facebook.com/ICakessCanada/">I CAKES</a>
Make sure to check all the vendors flavors – from lots of mix-ins to simple, there is something for everyone! It is a great gift for all ages and will be a wonderful experience to bond over this year.
2021-11-06T17:32:00-07:002021-11-06T17:40:35-07:00Joel Andersontag:joelanderson.ca,2012-09-20:12213The Effect of Mortgage Rate Increases at Renewal TimeSome great insite from Easy123 Mortgage...renewal time can come with some anxiety and this really breaks it down and simplifies the effects for you!
Even with recent increases to fixed mortgage rates, they are still among the lowest in history. Rates this low are not typical, and not close to anything we would expect to see in a healthy economy. Remember, It took a pandemic to bring them down to where they are today. While fixed mortgage rates seemed to have stabilized for now, we can expect them to increase further over the next several years. That is certain.
But what exactly do higher mortgage rates mean for you?
One common belief is that if mortgage rates were to double, then that would mean their payment would also double. This is not true however. Not even close!
Let’s take a look at this in detail so you’ll have a clearer picture of how higher rates will affect you at renewal.
How Large Mortgage Rate Increases Affect Your Payment
We’ll look at two hypothetical situations. The first will be if mortgage rates doubled when your mortgage comes up for renewal. The second will be if it tripled.
We’ll use the following information for each example:
$500,000 starting mortgage balance
1.89%* 5 year fixed rate
25 year amortization
Monthly payment of $2,090.81
Using the above numbers, the balance at end of 5 years would be $417,876.24 (assuming monthly payments and no additional lump sum payments made)
Hypothetical Situation 1: Mortgage Rate Doubles from 1.89% to 3.78%
People hear the word ‘double’, so they may naturally think that if the rate doubles, then their payment will as well. If that were the case, then your new payment at the time would increase to $4,183.62. This would be a major problem for just about anyone. Fortunately, this is not the case.
If the rate after 5 years were to double to 3.78%, then your new monthly payment at renewal would be $2,477.66. This is an increase of only $386.85, or 18.5% over what you were paying previously. A far cry from double the payment.
Hypothetical Situation 2: Mortgage Rate Triples from 1.89% to 5.67%
If your rate tripled to 5.67%, then your monthly payment at renewal would increase to $2,899.16. An increase of $808.35 over your previous monthly payment. While your rate tripled, your payment only increased by 38.66%.
What Are The Chances Fixed Rates Will Double In 5 years?
Up until summer of 2020, the lowest 5 year fixed rate ever offered was 2.14%. It took a pandemic to drive them down to where they are today. As the pandemic will not last forever, neither will these <a href="http://www.easy123mortgage.ca/why-you-should-never-choose-a-mortgage-based-on-rate-alone/">low rates</a>. It’s just a matter of time before they increase further.
In early 2019, 3.64% was considered a great 5 year fixed rate, which is roughly double where they are today. While anything can happen, I would say that it would not be surprising if rates ended were back at this level after 5 years. I would even go as far as to say that it’s a likely scenario. This won’t happen overnight however. For example, I don’t think we’ll see them shoot back up to this level over the next year. I do however believe that there will be some upward movement over that period. Time will tell and anything can happen.
Can You Afford To Pay Higher Rates?
You may have heard of the mortgage stress test. This basically means that you have to qualify for your mortgage as if the payments are based on a much higher rate. Currently, the stress test rate is 5.25%.
Prior to November 30, 2016, anyone applying for a 5 year fixed mortgage could qualify based on the contract rate (the rate your payments are based on). If your rate was 1.99%, then you could qualify for a mortgage based on 1.99%.
Simple.
If the stress test was never introduced, and if rates were substantially higher at time of renewal, then many people would be put in a tough position. The stress test was implemented to prevent this issue. By qualifying at the higher rate of 5.25%, you’re already pre-qualified to carry a higher rate. The stress test is there to prevent a major economic disaster.
What About Variable Rate Mortgages?
Just because fixed mortgage rates have increased, this doesn’t mean the same applies to variable rates. They are two different things with different influencers. While it’s possible that the two could move together, this is not always the case. In fact, they can move in opposite directions, although rare.
The recent rate increases apply to fixed mortgage rates only. There has been no change to variable rates, which are relatively stable. Variable rate discounts remain higher than ever, and can be found as high as prime -1.40% (1.05%). That’s a pretty solid discount!
Conclusion
Mortgage rates WILL be higher in five years than they are today. The question is, how much higher will they be?
Higher mortgage rates become less scary once we understand the minimal impact that they have when compared with common belief. Keep in mind that we’re talking about what may happen five years from now. While rates will be higher, your income should be higher as well.2021-10-28T13:06:00-07:002021-10-28T13:13:05-07:00Joel Andersontag:joelanderson.ca,2012-09-20:12159Canada Has Voted .... Top 10 Favorite Halloween CandyCanadians were asked to rank their favourite Halloween candy, and the list of goodies offers some great insight into what to stock up on as Halloween approaches. Here’s the top 10 candy and chocolate trick-or-treaters are excited for this year. What do you think? Did some of your favourites make the list?
1. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
With it’s perfect harmony of chocolate and peanut butter, it’s no surprise that this is the top Halloween candy in both Canada and the U.S. It’s a staple of many trick-or-treat candy bowls, and for good reason!
2. Skittles
Taste the rainbow. These delicious little fruity candies are a sweet treat when they land in your bag on Halloween. And you’ll be a favourite stop on the neighbourhood tour if you opt for the sour kind.
3. M & M’s
Candy-coated chocolaty goodness. They rank as a cut above Smarties, perhaps when their delicious peanut centre is thrown into the mix.
4. Starburst
Another great fruity treat. This chewy candy started out with four original flavours — strawberry, cherry, orange, and lemon. While we all have a favourite flavour, we really aren’t too picky when it comes to these colourful treats.
5. Snickers
Consisting of nougat, caramel, peanuts, and a chocolate coating, Snickers have a lot of taste packed into them!
6. Mars
A fan favourite among parents and kids alike, this nougat-and-caramel-filled chocolate bar is in the same family as Snickers as a Mars Inc. candy product.
7. Kit Kat
This chocolate-covered wafer bar in its unique shape is a satisfyingly different type of chocolate bar that’s shareable — if you so choose…
8. Sour Patch Kids
Do you go for the lime or the blue raspberry? There’s something enjoyable about this sweet-and-sour combination.
9. Coffee Crisp
It’s a nice light snack that’s also Canadian. You won’t find these chocolate bars in the U.S., but they’re a great addition to the candy bowl — whether in their full or mini form.
10. Hershey’s Kisses
These milk chocolate drops span across the Halloween season and into the Christmas season. The bags of foil-wrapped goodness are prime for Trick-or-Treaters.2021-10-16T10:32:00-07:002021-10-16T10:36:16-07:00Joel Andersontag:joelanderson.ca,2012-09-20:12128Thanksgiving Food StaplesAs Thanksgiving quickly approaches, we are always putting together menus in our mind and maybe you are thinking you want to try a different recipe? Here are some staple side dishes that I thought I would share that may inspire your weekend menu with the fig salad sure to be a winner! Enjoy and wishing you all a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
INGREDIENTS
4 russet potatoes, sliced into 1/4 inch slices
1 onion, sliced into rings
salt and pepper to taste
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon kosher salt
2 cups whole milk
1½ cups shredded Cheddar cheese
salt and pepper to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven to 400°F (200 degrees C).
Butter an 8x8 casserole dish.
Arrange the potatoes and onions in the prepared baking dish, staggering potato and then onion.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
In a medium-size saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Mix in the flour and salt, and stir constantly with a whisk for one minute. Stir in milk. Cook until mixture has thickened.
Stir in cheese all at once, and continue stirring until melted and smooth, about 30 to 60 seconds.
Pour cheese over the potatoes, and cover the dish with aluminum foil.
Bake 1 1/2 hours (90min.) in the preheated oven.
For a crisp topping, change the oven setting to broil for 5 minutes before removing the dish.
Roasted Brussel Sprouts
1 pound Brussels Sprouts Cleaned and trimmed
3 cloves garlic Thin sliced or chopped
¼ cup Parmesan Cheese Freshly grated
Salt and freshly ground black pepper To taste
3 tablespoons good quality olive oil or for Keto, butter flavor coconut oil
Pre-heat the oven to 400F<br />If needed, clean and trim the Brussels sprouts and cut them in halves and place them in an oven safe dish. Make sure to dry them very well before cooking.<br />Add the garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, followed by the olive oil. Toss to coat.<br />Roast in the oven uncovered for 20-25 minutes until crisp, brown and caramelized on the outside and tender on the inside. Serve with more grated cheese.
FIG SALAD WITH GOAT CHEESE AND BABY ARUGULA
Ingredients
1/2 cup walnut halves
Vinaigrette
1-1/2 teaspoons minced shallots (1/2 tablespoon)
1 to 1-1/2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon honey
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt or fine sea salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper
2 tablespoons walnut oil
Fig Salad
4 large fresh figs (or 8 small), I used Black Mission
5 cups baby arugula (5 oz package)
2 ounces goat cheese , crumbled
Instructions
Toast the Walnuts<br />Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spread walnuts into a single layer on a small baking sheet. Roast for 5-10 minutes until fragrant and toasted, stirring halfway through. Let cool while you prepare the vinaigrette.<br />Make the Vinaigrette
In a small bowl, stir together shallots, 1 tablespoon vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Slowly drizzle in walnut oil, whisking, until emulsified.<br />Taste the dressing. If you like it to have a more tart flavor, add an additional 1 to 1-1/2 teaspoons vinegar. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper. <br />Assemble the Fig Salad
Cut stems from figs and slice in quarters if large and in half if small. <br />Toss baby arugula with the toasted walnuts and half of the vinaigrette. Arrange figs on the top of the salad and lightly drizzle each with a little of the remaining vinaigrette. Sprinkle the salad with crumbled goat cheese.<br />If desired, finish the salad with a few grinds of cracked black pepper and a few pinches of a medium-grind sea salt. Serve immediately.
Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe
Ingredients
Toffee Sauce
2 ½ cups heavy cream
1 stick unsalted butter (4 ounces)
½ cup light corn syrup
1 cup granulated sugar
Cake
6 ounces pitted dates (about 7 dates preferably Medjool)
¾ cup water
¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
1 pinch of salt
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
¾ cup packed light brown sugar
1 large egg
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Vanilla ice cream or lightly sweetened whipped cream (for serving)
Instructions Checklist
Step 1
In a medium saucepan, combine 1 1/4 cups of the cream with the butter, corn syrup and sugar; bring to a boil. Cook over moderately low heat, stirring frequently, until a deep amber caramel forms, about 40 minutes. Carefully whisk in the remaining 1 1/4 cups of cream. Strain the sauce through a sieve into a bowl.
Step 2
In a small saucepan, simmer the dates in the water over moderately low heat until the water is nearly absorbed and the dates are soft, about 15 minutes. Transfer the dates and any liquid to a food processor and puree until very smooth.
Step 3
Preheat the oven to 350°. Lightly butter six 1/2-cup ramekins. In a small bowl, whisk the flour with the baking powder, baking soda and salt. In a medium bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the butter with the brown sugar at medium speed until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla, then beat in the date puree. At low speed, beat in the dry ingredients. Spoon the batter into the ramekins and smooth the tops. Bake for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centers comes out clean; let cool slightly.
Step 4
Using a small serrated knife, trim the tops of the cakes level with the rims of the ramekins. Unmold the cakes and invert them onto a wire rack. Slice each cake in half horizontally. Wipe out the ramekins and spoon 1 tablespoon of the toffee sauce into each. Return the bottom layers of the cakes to the ramekins, cut side up. Spoon another tablespoon of the toffee sauce into the ramekins and top with the remaining cake layers. Spoon another tablespoon of the toffee sauce over the cakes and spread evenly. Place the ramekins on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes, or until the toffee is bubbling around the edges.
Step 5
Let the puddings cool for 5 minutes, then run a thin-bladed knife around the insides of the ramekins; invert each pudding onto a dessert plate. Rewarm the remaining toffee sauce and spoon some around the puddings. Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
2021-10-07T10:22:00-07:002021-10-07T14:24:12-07:00Joel Andersontag:joelanderson.ca,2012-09-20:12104City Living vs Rural Living
<article class="single-article post-8804 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-homemade" id="article-8804">I have spoken with alot of clients this past year contemplating leaving the city to move rural and vice versa.
If you live in a city, you may daydream of rolling hills and fresh air, only to be awakened by noisy upstairs neighbors or police sirens coming from the streets below.
If you live in the country, you might find yourself yearning for the thrill of the city: the theatre, the restaurants, the sights, the sounds.
Weekend getaways are giving city dwellers a taste of how the other half lives. Let’s explore the differences of city life versus country life.
Advantages of living in the country
Peace and quiet: As you get further away from the hustle and bustle of a city, you’ll notice the sounds of construction sites and 24/7 traffic are replaced with birds singing, crickets chirping and small-town church bells. Life in the country seems to scream “slow down,” and for some, the quiet can be deafening. Looking for a home in the countryside? Consider how the ambient noise of your surroundings might affect you and whether absolute silence is the goal. </article>
<article class="single-article post-8804 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-homemade"></article>
<article class="single-article post-8804 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-homemade">Lower housing costs: With shorter commutes, more career choices and a variety of cultural and entertainment options, living in or near a city adds to the value of a property. So while you won’t find a small rural town on a “most expensive places to live” list, you will get way more house for your money outside of the city. As for choice, single-family detached homes are in abundance out here, many with a proper garage, a laundry room, tons of extra closet space and outdoor space, probably for less than a standard condo might cost in the city. </article>
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<article class="single-article post-8804 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-homemade">Breathing room: Living in the countryside offers remarkable lifestyle and health benefits, and at a much lower cost per square foot. Country homes are generally larger, with gardens, lawns and spaces to stretch out. In contrast, outdoor space in city apartments — if they exist at all — come at a premium, usually in the form of a small patio, or shared roof deck. But with nature at your doorstep, living in the countryside provides lots of room and plenty of fresh rural air — a bonus for your physical and mental health. </article>
<article class="single-article post-8804 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-homemade"></article>
<article class="single-article post-8804 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-homemade">Community: Rubbing shoulders with thousands of other people every day — on public transportation, in crowded elevators and on city sidewalks — doesn’t necessarily translate to more connections. Even though cities can be socially energizing, you can go years without ever knowing your neighbors. Life in the country works differently. With a slower pace and lower crime rates, neighbors make a point of getting to know each other. And local book shops, cafes and hardware stores become regular gathering spots. Finding a welcoming community is half the battle when searching for a new home in the country.
Benefits of living in the City
Career opportunities: City dwellers looking to switch jobs find it a lot easier to sneak in an interview before or after work, or during lunch hour, especially when prospective employers are only blocks away. That’s not always true for people living in the country who might spend long hours commuting or stuck in traffic. Unless you can work remotely, residing outside of the city can also mean fewer career options. High-paying jobs in finance, medicine, law, advertising, retail and more, tend to be found in cities. That can mean more opportunities, better salary prospects and shorter commutes for those choosing an urban life over a rural one.</article>
<article class="single-article post-8804 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-homemade"></article>
<article class="single-article post-8804 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-homemade">Public transportation: Owning, insuring and parking a car in a city can be expensive, so you may ask yourself if you really need one. Public bus routes, trains and Ubers make it easy to get just about anywhere you need to be. That’s why many city dwellers — especially millennials — have shunned car ownership altogether, and carry a driver’s license for ID purposes only. </article>
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<article class="single-article post-8804 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-homemade">Compare that to those living in rural areas: without wheels, they’d find themselves stranded when it comes to groceries, doctor’s appointments and even dating. Love it or hate it, you can’t argue that public transportation puts everything in the city within reach. </article>
<article class="single-article post-8804 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-homemade"></article>
<article class="single-article post-8804 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-homemade">More amenities:Cities generally have more choice when it comes to restaurants, bars, theatres and cinemas, meaning far more options for fun nights out with family and friends. And if you are into something a little more niche, there’s a better chance of finding like-minded people in a compact city than in an area that’s more sparsely populated. Common amenities such as supermarkets, dry cleaners, banks and doctors are usually within walking distance. Plus, getting around by foot is an excellent form of exercise and helps reduce your carbon footprint, too.</article>
<article class="single-article post-8804 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-homemade"></article>
<article class="single-article post-8804 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-homemade">Don’t forget about services you’ll need to stay connected: Wi-Fi and telecommunications coverage are almost always better in the big cities, so if you need online access for work, the country life may be a little challenging.</article>
<article class="single-article post-8804 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-homemade"></article>
<article class="single-article post-8804 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-homemade">Choice in housing: Naturally you will have a wider variety of choices when it comes to housing options in the city....detached, semidetached, condos, townhomes all provide choices depending on your budget.
Are suburbs the best of both worlds?
If you can’t make up your mind between city vs. country living, consider the suburbs. You’ll be closer to nature than city dwellers and probably get more room and more privacy. Plus, a suburb will put you closer to decent restaurants and shopping options than you may find in a rural setting. Granted, you’ll still probably need a car, but everything’s a trade-off! Despite how you feel about big box stores, many suburbs have retained charming downtown districts that can temporarily satisfy your fix for some urban-style shopping and dining. But don’t fool yourself, just because you’re looking outside the city, it might not be cheaper: prices can sometimes be comparable to innercity limits. At the end of the day, a home is just that....a home. You can always try country or city living for a couple of years and if you decide it is not for you, well at least you know! There will always be a home available for you to make new beginnings at any time in your life. You will never know if you don't experience it first hand! </article>
2021-10-02T10:35:00-07:002021-10-07T14:28:38-07:00Joel Andersontag:joelanderson.ca,2012-09-20:12070Who is Responsible for Hail Damage after an Offer is Accepted?We have been hit hard with some hail storms over the years and this is always a scenario for a Seller or Buyer...so who is responsible? Until the deal closes and you take possession of the property, the seller is responsible for the property. Any damage to the property or to the items included in the sale, are the sole responsibility of the seller until your purchase funds are transferred and you take possession of the home.
When you take possession, the property, and its inclusions (appliances, etc.), should be in the same condition as when you viewed it and submitted your offer to purchase.
Even if the property is vacant, and has been for weeks, it is still the seller’s responsibility to maintain home insurance on the property.
As the buyer, you should make sure you arrange for your home insurance to begin on your possession day, even if you aren’t moving in right away. As soon as you take possession, insuring the property is your responsibility.
If something such as a hail storm damages the property in the time between the seller accepting your offer and possession day, have your agent talk to the seller’s agent to confirm the seller is handling the damage. If the seller confirms they’re handling the repairs, you may wish to add an addendum to your accepted offer to purchase that outlines the seller’s responsibility to replace the roof prior to possession day, or you may ask the seller to agree to you holding back a small portion of the purchase funds until the roof is repaired. Make sure any agreements between you and the seller are in writing.
If there is any resistance on the part of the seller, either to fixing the damage or to putting details and agreements in writing, you need to talk to a lawyer for legal advice.
Likewise, if either party wishes to end the transaction in light of the damage done to the property, or if the seller refuses to repair the roof prior to possession, contact a lawyer for legal advice. It is always best to leave these situations to the professionals!2021-09-28T08:48:00-07:002021-09-28T08:49:38-07:00Joel Andersontag:joelanderson.ca,2012-09-20:12069Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Your HomeSelling your home can be very time-consuming and emotionally challenging, especially if you’ve never done it before. At times it may feel like an invasion of privacy because strangers will come into your home, open your closets and cabinets, and poke around. They will criticize a place that has probably become more than just four walls and a roof to you, and, to top it all off, they will offer you less money than you think your home is worth.
With a complex and emotional transaction on your hands, it’s easy for home sellers to make lots of mistakes. However, with a little know-how you can avoid many of these pitfalls. Here are some pointers on how to sell your house while getting the highest possible price within a reasonable time frame without losing your mind!!
Don't Sell on Your Own - Hire an Agent
Of course, as a Real Estate Agent, I am going to recommend this, however I know it can be tempting to try to save some money and sell your home on your own. So what exactly are you paying for when you hire an Agent?
A good Agent has your best interests at heart. With their knowledge of the market and doing a Comparative Market Analysis for you, they will help you set a fair and competitive selling price for your home, increasing your odds of a quick sale. An agent can also help tone down the emotion of the process by interacting with potential buyers and eliminating tire kickers who only want to look at your property but have no intention of making an offer.
Your agent will also have more experience negotiating home sales, helping you get more money than you could on your own. And if any problems crop up during the process—and they commonly do—an experienced professional will be there to handle them for you. Finally, agents are familiar with all the paperwork and pitfalls involved in real estate transactions and can help make sure the process goes smoothly. This means there won’t be any delays or glitches in the deal.
A good Agent will also have professional photographers which is key to making a good first impression on potential Buyers. They will also have a marketing plan in place and material for your home.
Setting an Unrealistic Price
Setting the right asking price is key. Remember the comparative market analysis your agent did when you bought your home to determine a fair offering price? Buyers will do this for your home too, so as a Seller you should be one step ahead of them.
Overpriced homes generally don’t sell and is the number one mistake that sellers make. Don’t worry too much about setting a price that’s on the low side, because in theory this will generate multiple offers and bid the price up to the home’s actual market value. In fact, underpricing your home can be a strategy to generate extra interest in your listing, and you can always refuse an offer that’s too low.
Expecting the Asking Price
Any smart Buyer will negotiate, and if you want to complete the sale, you may have to play ball. Most people want to list their homes at a price that will attract Buyers while still leaving some breathing room for negotiations—the opposite of the underpricing strategy described above. This may work, allowing the Buyer to feel like they are getting good value while allowing you to get the amount of money you need from the sale.
Of course, whether you end up with more or less than your asking price will likely depend not just on your pricing strategy but also on whether you’re in a Buyer’s market or a Seller’s market and how well you have staged and modernized your home.
Hiding Major Problems
Think you can get away with hiding major problems with your property? Any problem will be uncovered during the Buyer’s inspection. You have three options to deal with any issues. Either fix the problem ahead of time, price the property below market value to account for it, or list the property at a normal price and offer the buyer a credit to fix the problem. If you don’t fix the problem in advance, you may eliminate a fair number of Buyers who want a turnkey home.
Not Preparing for the Sale
Sellers who do not clean and stage their homes throw money down the drain. Don’t worry if you can’t afford to hire a professional. There are many things you can do on your own. Failing to do these things can reduce your sales price and may also prevent you from getting a sale at all. If you haven’t attended to minor issues, such as a broken doorknob or dripping faucet, a potential buyer may wonder whether the house has larger, costlier issues that haven’t been addressed either.
Have a friend or an agent, someone with a fresh pair of eyes, point out areas of your home that need work. Because of your familiarity with the home, you may be immune to its trouble spots. Decluttering, cleaning thoroughly, putting a fresh coat of paint on the walls, and getting rid of any odors will also help you make a good impression on buyers.
Not Accommodating Buyers
If someone wants to view your house, you need to accommodate them, even if it inconveniences you. And yes, you have to clean and tidy the house before every single visit. A Buyer won’t know or care if your house was clean last week. It’s a lot of work, but stay focused on the prize.
Not Listening to your Agents Advice
When it comes to negotiating a fair price, setting a price, knowing when to accept an offer, which photos to display and how to market your home, a good Agent will have experience with this and be able to advise you accordingly. Of course these are all things that you, as a Seller, should play a role in, however not listening to your Agents advice can cost you a sale. You are paying them for a service, let them help you!
Getting Emotional
It’s easy to get emotional about selling your home, especially your first one. You spent a great deal of time and effort to find the right one, saved up for your down payment and furniture, and created many memories. People generally have trouble keeping their emotions in check when it comes time to say goodbye.
Think it’s impossible? It’s not. Once you decide to sell your home, start thinking of yourself as a businessperson and salesperson rather than just the homeowner. In fact, forget altogether that you’re the homeowner. By looking at the transaction from a purely financial perspective, you’ll distance yourself from the emotional aspects of selling the property.
Also, try to remember how you felt when you were shopping for that home. Most Buyers will also be in an emotional state. If you can remember that you are selling a piece of property as well as an image and a lifestyle, you’ll be more likely to put in the extra effort of staging and doing some minor remodeling to get top dollar for your home. These changes in appearance will not only help the sales price; they’ll also help you create emotional distance because your home will look less familiar.2021-09-28T08:43:00-07:002021-09-28T08:48:02-07:00Joel Andersontag:joelanderson.ca,2012-09-20:12068Questions To Ask When Interviewing a RealtorBuying and Selling a home is, for most people, one of the largest investments you will make in a lifetime. Hiring a Realtor that fits your needs and desires is very important and asking the right questions is the best way to find out if you and the Agent are a match! Below are some great questions you can ask that will surely help you in this process.
How Long Have You Been in the Business?The standard joke is that there's nothing wrong with a new agent that a little experience can't fix, but that's not to say that freshly-licensed agents can't be good ones. Much depends on the level of their training and whether they have access to competent mentors. A newer agent might have more time to concentrate on you unless he's holding down another job. You can ask about this as well.
That said, there's no bar exam for real estate agents, and no school offers a degree in how to handle problems in a transaction. Agents learn on the job. The more sales an agent has completed, the more he knows.It's even possible that he's taken courses and attended seminars, and it's OK to ask about this, too.
What's Your Average List-Price-To-Sales-Price Ratio?
An agent's average ratio depends on the market. A good buyer's agent should be able to negotiate a sales price that's lower than the list price, at least if you take sizzling sellers' markets out of the equation. A competent listing agent should have a track record for negotiating sales prices that are very close to list prices.
What's Your Best Marketing Plan or Strategy for My Needs?
You'll want to know how the agent plans to search for your new home if you're a buyer, and how many homes she thinks you're likely to see before you find the one you want. Will you be competing against other buyers? How does the agent handle multiple offers?
As a seller, you'll want to know exactly how the agent will market your home. Is a direct mail campaign appropriate? Where and how often does she advertise? What kind of photography does she offer? Does she market online? What steps will she take to prepare your home for sale?
Ask if there's anything about your home that might detract from its potential for sale. Perhaps, you could remedy and avert the problem.
What Are the Top Three Things That Separate You From Your Competition?
A good agent won't hesitate to answer this question and should be ready to fire off several reasons why he's best suited for the job. Everyone has their standards, but most consumers say they're looking for agents who say that they're honest, trustworthy, assertive, and excellent negotiators.
He might tell you that he's always available by phone or e-mail, or that he's a good communicator. He might indicate that he's friendly and able to maintain his sense of humor under trying circumstances—and there will be some.
It all comes down to the characteristics and qualifications that you value most.
Can I Review Documents Ahead of Time?
A good real estate agent will make important forms available to you for preview before you're required to sign them. Ask for these documents upfront, if at all possible. And, make sure during the interview stage that an agent is agreeable to this.
As a buyer, ask for copies of the buyer's broker agreement. Is it exclusive or non-exclusive? Ask for copies of agency disclosures, any purchase agreements, and buyer disclosures.
You'll also want to see the agency disclosure if you're the seller.4 Ask for a copy of the listing agreement as well, and of your seller disclosure.
How Will You Help Me Find Other Professionals?
Your agent should be able and more than willing to supply you with a written list of vendors such as Mortgage Brokers, Home Inspectors, Lawyers and Trades.
What Kind of Guarantee Do You Offer?
Will the agent let you cancel the listing or buying agreement if you sign only to realize later that you're unhappy with the arrangement? Will the agent stand behind their service to you? What is their company's policy about canceled agreements? Has anybody ever canceled an agreement with her before?
What Haven't I Asked You That You Think I Should Know?
Pay close attention to how the real estate agent answers this question. There's often something else you might need to know, something you forgot to mention.
You want an agent who will take the time to answer this one and make sure you feel comfortable and secure with her knowledge and experience. She should know how to listen, how to counsel you, and how to ask the right questions to find out what she needs to know to serve you better.
The Bottom Line
Not all real estate agents will welcome an opportunity to be interviewed, and top agents probably won't want to fill out a survey. Try to limit your questions to the most important issues for you and your needs.
2021-09-28T08:38:00-07:002021-09-28T08:42:41-07:00Joel Andersontag:joelanderson.ca,2012-09-20:12067The Difference Between Biweekly and Accelerated Biweekly Mortgage PaymentsSome great info from Easy123 Mortgage and may help you decide which is better for you!
One of the most commonly misunderstood terms used in the mortgage industry is biweekly payments. The confusion comes from there being two options. Biweekly and accelerated biweekly. When most people use the term biweekly, they are referring to accelerated biweekly. However, many may not even reailze that there is also a non-accelerated version. Which leads us to answer the title of this blog. What’s the difference between a biweekly and an accelerated biweekly payment? Let’s look at the descriptions for both, so you can then decide which one you think is right for you:
Accelerated Biweekly
An accelerated biweekly payment is calculated by taking your monthly payment and dividing it by two. The payment is then made every two weeks, hence the term ‘biweekly’. By accelerating the payment, you’re making the equivalent of one additional monthly payment per year, which is applied directly toward your principal. Accelerated biweekly payments will automatically drop your effective amortization from 25 years down to roughly 22 years, 6 months, or a 30 year amortization down to roughly 27 years. The exact amount will vary slightly depending on your mortgage rate
Biweekly
A regular biweekly payment is calculated by multiplying your monthly payment by 12 and then dividing by 26 (as there are 26 payments per year). As your total payments for the year are identical to making monthly payments, regular biweekly payments to not provide any additional benefit. If you start with a 25 year amortization, your effective amortization will also be 25 years unless you utilize your prepayment privileges.
Payment Differences
The payment will always be lower with regular vs accelerated biweekly. For example, let’s say you have a $500,000 mortgage amortized over 25 years at a rate of 1.79%. Your accelerated biweekly payment would be $1,033.47, however your regular biweekly payment would only be $953.96. Not that big of a difference considering you’ll be knocking close to three years off your mortgage. However, non-accelerated options are great for those looking to maximize cash flow.
How Can You Tell If Your Payment Frequency is Regular Or Accelerated?
While your mortgage commitment or mortgage statement will usually confirm your payment frequency is accelerated biweekly or biweekly, this is not always the case. Scotiabank is one of the few lenders who does not offer a regular biweekly payment option, and they refer to their accelerated biweekly mortgage as simply ‘biweekly’.2021-09-28T08:25:00-07:002021-09-28T08:30:42-07:00Joel Andersontag:joelanderson.ca,2012-09-20:11997Why You Should Consider Selling in the Winter<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3461/image/selling-in-the-winter-attracts-serious-buyers.jpg" alt="Selling In Winter Attracts Serious Buyers" title="Selling In Winter Attracts Serious Buyers" height="410" width="750" />
The season you sell your home can have an impact on how much you get for your home and how quickly it sells. The season that has the most success in selling homes is spring. This is a good time of year for families moving to new school districts and is also more convenient weather for moving. Because of this trend, most people will recommend waiting to list your home until after the winter is over. Avoiding the winter is a huge misconception in the housing industry and can cause homeowners to miss out on opportunities.
Selling in the winter can give you a few advantages. There will be fewer houses on the market since most people assume winter is a bad time to sell. This gives your home more attention. Potential buyers are always looking no matter the time of year. Keeping your house on the market in the winter might bring the right buyer to your door. Real estate agents also tend to be less busy during these months and commit more time to getting your home sold.
Studies have shown winter buyers are buying because they need to move right away either for a relocation or personal situation. They will want to close quickly and allow for a much smoother sale.
Bottom Line
If you need to sell your home right away, or have some time but want to see what is out there, consider listing in the winter. Most homeowners who are going to sell will list their home in the spring, making for a competitive market. The winter allows buyers who are in a hurry to move consider your home and sell for more money than you would have in the spring.2021-09-14T07:56:00-07:002021-09-14T08:03:38-07:00Joel Andersontag:joelanderson.ca,2012-09-20:11998Is Getting a Home Mortgage Still Too Difficult?<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3461/image/getting-a-home-mortgage.jpg" alt="Is Getting a Home Mortgage Still Too Difficult?" title="Is Getting a Home Mortgage Still Too Difficult?" height="410" width="750" />
Potential homebuyers are always cautioned to be aware of mortgage lending standards and the difficulty they might face when trying to obtain a mortgage. Credit availability is expanding, making it easier to get a mortgage now than it was a year ago. The market is still tight however, and homebuyers should be prepared to shop around until they find a lender who is offering something that will meet the needs of their family.
Mortgage lending companies have high standards so it is important to make sure you and anyone else who will be included on the mortgage have their credit in check. The mortgage market is strict because lenders do not want to be put in a situation where they are forced to repurchase loans that are not paid on. They also do not want to end up in a litigation situation due to loan issues.
What Has Happened to the Number of Mortgages?
Due to the strict nature and requirements of the lending companies, the number of mortgages given out has significantly dropped. A report by the Housing Financial Policy Center at the Urban Institute showed that about 6.3 million fewer mortgages were given out between 2009 and 2015. The reasons behind this statistic are strict regulations and policies. These mortgages would have been granted if the lending standards where more reasonable.
Mortgage companies rely on calculations to determine if a home buyer will become delinquent on their payment. They will not give you a loan if you are too much of a risk for them. Credit history has a huge impact on this decision since lenders can see how often you pay back your debts. The history they receive is extensive. This view into your financial past causes lenders to take less risk when lending to you for your mortgage.
The Effect on the Economy
The housing market is recovering at a slower pace than it should since less potential homebuyers are being offered loans. While the market is still recovering with positive trends, fewer buyers can create a strain on other economic factors like home goods or construction jobs. Bottom Line
After the housing market boom and bust, mortgage lenders became stricter in their lending standards. It is not impossible to get a mortgage loan, but it can still be difficult for potential home buyers. Stay on top of your credit and make sure you and anyone else who is applying are in a good financial position so you can be approved for a loan. It is important to research different companies and their requirements to ensure success in getting a mortgage.2021-09-14T07:56:00-07:002021-09-14T08:03:28-07:00Joel Andersontag:joelanderson.ca,2012-09-20:11996Common Things to Look Out for Before Buying Your Dream Home<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/3461/image/3-questions-to-ask-before-buying-your-dream-home.jpg" alt="Common Things to Look Out for Before Buying Your Dream Home" title="Common Things to Look Out for Before Buying Your Dream Home" height="410" width="750" />
It is easy to become overwhelmed when you enter the home buying market. Friends, family, colleagues, and even acquaintances will give you their opinions if you are a first time home buyer. While most of them are looking out for your best interest, they are not fully aware of what is happening in the housing market.
It is important for you to be prepared and have your own questions ready. No matter what other opinions you are getting, you are the one buying the home and your comfort level will help make your final decision. Here are three important questions to ask before you purchase a home.
1. Why am I Buying a Home?
Regardless of the finances, it is important to think about what made you want to buy a home in the first place. Usually the reasons don’t have to do with money. Instead, home buyers are focused on how the house will impact their family in the future. A study done by the Joint Center for House Studies at Harvard found there are four reasons people buy a home. Those reasons include schools for your children, a safe environment, more room for your family to grow, and control of your own space.
These factors are the most common reasons people look to buy a new home. When you ask yourself why you are looking to purchase a home, do any of those factors come up? Spend time with your spouse or family members who are involved in this decision and determine why you want a home in the first place. Creating this list will help when searching for a home and can help your real estate agent find the best home for your needs.
2. What is the Trend with Home Values?
Our current economy and housing market is strong. That means home values and mortgage rates are increasing. If you are looking to purchase a home but want to stay within a budget, it may be in your best interest to move quickly. It is forecasted for these trends to continue in an upward motion, causing home values to continue to increase.
3. What About Current Mortgage Rates?
The ticket price is not the only thing you should be concerned with when purchasing a home. Mortgage rates are always changing and can have a huge impact on your monthly payments. Current trends show mortgage rates are rising. This is something to consider if you are debating the right time to purchase a home, since the rates may be even higher down the road.
Bottom Line
You and your family are the only ones who can determine the right time to purchase your dream home. It is important to decide exactly why you want a new home for your family and decide on a budget that will be comfortable moving forward. This budget may affect the amount of time you have to search for a home, since home prices and mortgage rates are increasing. 2021-09-14T07:56:00-07:002021-09-14T08:03:34-07:00Joel Anderson